This episode discusses sources provide an overview and structured literature review concerning the complex relationship between trauma-induced hypervigilance and performance on the BrainSherpa.app Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). The first source introduces hypervigilance as a state of heightened alertness often linked to past trauma, explaining its impact on cognitive functions like sustained attention, and noting that it generally impairs PVT performance, leading to increased lapses and slower response times. The second, more formal review synthesizes evidence, concluding that while hypervigilance causes trauma survivors to exhibit increased threat monitoring and scanning, this does not translate to improved PVT results; instead, individuals with chronic hypervigilance often experience greater fatigue and impaired sustained attention due to high cognitive and physiological costs. Both texts emphasize that understanding this interplay is vital for developing effective therapeutic interventions for trauma survivors, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

This episode is from a research article titled "Illuminating Cognitive Performance: Assessing the Role of Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Augmenting Cognition," published in MILITARY MEDICINE in 2025. This study investigates the use of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a noninvasive technique utilizing near-infrared light, to potentially improve cognitive performance. Using a small sample of eight predominantly female participants, the researchers compared a tPBM group to a sham group across various cognitive assessments and psychological measures. Key findings include statistically significant improvements in processing speed (Reaction Time) and plasticity for the tPBM group on the Brain Gauge test, as well as enhanced working memory on high-load orientation tasks. Furthermore, the tPBM group demonstrated greater consistency and a significant increase in pupil dilation from session one to session two, suggesting an effect on sustained attention and the underlying neural systems. The authors conclude that tPBM shows promise for enhancing cognitive function, especially under high cognitive demand, and recommend further research with larger samples, particularly for military and clinical applications.

https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usaf227

This research article from Sleep Medicine Reviews proposes an updated bidirectional model for understanding the complex relationship between technology use and sleep. The authors, Bauducco et al., challenge previous unidirectional theories by asserting that sleep problems can also influence technology use, not just the other way around. The article thoroughly examines established mechanisms like bright light and arousal hypotheses, finding their impact on sleep less significant than often assumed. It also introduces and supports "sleep displacement" and "nighttime sleep disruption" as key mechanisms where technology significantly impacts sleep, along with new mechanisms where technology acts as a "time filler" or "emotion regulation tool" when sleep is difficult. Finally, the authors explore individual risk and protective factors like self-control and parental rules, offering implications for future research and public health messaging to promote healthier technology habits for sleep.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2024.101933