Sleep deprivation significantly impairs cognitive performance, with acute total sleep deprivation (SD) more thoroughly studied than chronic partial sleep restriction. Both types of sleep deprivation negatively affect attention, working memory, long-term memory, and decision-making. Total SD impairs attention and working memory more severely, while partial SD mainly affects vigilance. Recovery from SD is more challenging in partial sleep restriction than in total SD. Factors such as age, gender, and individual differences influence the effects of SD. Older individuals and women may be less affected by SD, though this is not fully understood. Cognitive recovery after SD is more efficient in older adults, but more research is needed. Chronic partial sleep restriction, though common in daily life, has been less studied. Sleep deprivation affects various cognitive functions, including visuomotor performance, reasoning, and decision-making. Performance in tasks like the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) and digit symbol substitution task is impaired during SD. Recovery from SD requires sufficient sleep, and one night of recovery may not be enough for full restoration. Gender differences in cognitive performance during SD are observed, with women sometimes performing better in certain tasks. Interindividual variability in response to SD is significant, influenced by factors such as sleep history and circadian rhythm. Methodological issues, such as small sample sizes and lack of control for practice effects, can affect study results. Sleep deprivation studies are complex and expensive, leading to potential compromises in design. Overall, sleep deprivation has profound effects on cognitive performance, with recovery and individual differences playing critical roles.Sleep deprivation significantly impairs cognitive performance, with acute total sleep deprivation (SD) more thoroughly studied than chronic partial sleep restriction. Both types of sleep deprivation negatively affect attention, working memory, long-term memory, and decision-making. Total SD impairs attention and working memory more severely, while partial SD mainly affects vigilance. Recovery from SD is more challenging in partial sleep restriction than in total SD. Factors such as age, gender, and individual differences influence the effects of SD. Older individuals and women may be less affected by SD, though this is not fully understood. Cognitive recovery after SD is more efficient in older adults, but more research is needed. Chronic partial sleep restriction, though common in daily life, has been less studied. Sleep deprivation affects various cognitive functions, including visuomotor performance, reasoning, and decision-making. Performance in tasks like the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) and digit symbol substitution task is impaired during SD. Recovery from SD requires sufficient sleep, and one night of recovery may not be enough for full restoration. Gender differences in cognitive performance during SD are observed, with women sometimes performing better in certain tasks. Interindividual variability in response to SD is significant, influenced by factors such as sleep history and circadian rhythm. Methodological issues, such as small sample sizes and lack of control for practice effects, can affect study results. Sleep deprivation studies are complex and expensive, leading to potential compromises in design. Overall, sleep deprivation has profound effects on cognitive performance, with recovery and individual differences playing critical roles.