Sarah Witkowski1, Logan T Trujillo2, Stephanie M Sherman2, Patricia Carter3, Michael D Matthews4, David M Schnyer2. 1. Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. Electronic address: Sadie.witkowski@utexas.edu. 2. Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. 3. School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, United States. 4. Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership, United States Military Academy, United States.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The deleterious neurocognitive effects of laboratory-controlled short-term sleep deprivation are well-known. The present study investigated neurocognitive changes arising from chronic sleep restriction outside the laboratory. METHODS: Sleep patterns of 24 undergraduates were tracked via actigraphy across a 15-week semester. At the semester beginning, at a midpoint, and a week before finals, students performed the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) and cortical arousal was measured via event-related potentials (ERP) and resting state electroencephalography (EEG). RESULTS: Average daily sleep decreased between Session 1 and Sessions 2 and 3. Calculated circadian rhythm measures indicated nighttime movement increased and sleep quality decreased from Sessions 1 and 2 to Session 3. Parallel to the sleep/activity measures, PVT reaction time increased between Session 1 and Sessions 2 and 3 and resting state alpha EEG reactivity magnitude and PVT-evoked P3 ERP amplitude decreased between Session 1 and Sessions 2 and 3. Cross-sectional regressions showed PVT reaction time was negatively associated with average daily sleep, alpha reactivity, and P3 changes; sleep/circadian measures were associated with alpha reactivity and/or P3 changes. CONCLUSIONS: Small, but persistent sleep deficits reduced cortical arousal and impaired vigilant attention. SIGNIFICANCE: Chronic sleep restriction impacts neurocognition in a manner similar to laboratory controlled sleep deprivation.
OBJECTIVE: The deleterious neurocognitive effects of laboratory-controlled short-term sleep deprivation are well-known. The present study investigated neurocognitive changes arising from chronic sleep restriction outside the laboratory. METHODS: Sleep patterns of 24 undergraduates were tracked via actigraphy across a 15-week semester. At the semester beginning, at a midpoint, and a week before finals, students performed the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) and cortical arousal was measured via event-related potentials (ERP) and resting state electroencephalography (EEG). RESULTS: Average daily sleep decreased between Session 1 and Sessions 2 and 3. Calculated circadian rhythm measures indicated nighttime movement increased and sleep quality decreased from Sessions 1 and 2 to Session 3. Parallel to the sleep/activity measures, PVT reaction time increased between Session 1 and Sessions 2 and 3 and resting state alpha EEG reactivity magnitude and PVT-evoked P3 ERP amplitude decreased between Session 1 and Sessions 2 and 3. Cross-sectional regressions showed PVT reaction time was negatively associated with average daily sleep, alpha reactivity, and P3 changes; sleep/circadian measures were associated with alpha reactivity and/or P3 changes. CONCLUSIONS: Small, but persistent sleep deficits reduced cortical arousal and impaired vigilant attention. SIGNIFICANCE: Chronic sleep restriction impacts neurocognition in a manner similar to laboratory controlled sleep deprivation.
Authors: Lisa M Fucito; Krysten W Bold; Eliza Van Reen; Nancy S Redeker; Stephanie S O'Malley; Tess H Hanrahan; Kelly S DeMartini Journal: J Abnorm Psychol Date: 2017-11-27