Effects on Performance of High and Low Energy-Expenditure during Sleep Deprivation

Abstract

8 Ss were sleep deprived for 2 nights, using 2 different deprivation conditions. In the bed-rest condition Ss rested in bed while being sleep deprived. In the exercise condition Ss remained active and exercised for 15 min. on an exercise bicycle every other hour. Performance measures were obtained before, during, and after sleep deprivation. The two conditions did not differentially affect sleep during recovery nor did they have differential effects on performance during deprivation. From these results we infer that in operational settings it is unlikely that performance decrements during sleep deprivation can be offset by having personnel reduce their activity level.