Sleep Loss Effects on Continuous Sustained Performance
Abstract
The ability to sustain continuous performance for up to 42 hours was studied. During each 10 minutes, subjects performed a tracking task, a pattern memory task, an addition task, a simultaneous auditory vigilance task, and provided subjective ratings on sleepiness and attention-fantasy scales. Of 10 subjects required to work continuously with no breaks, 3 could not complete the 42 hours, and 8 out of 10 suffered symptoms such as hallucinations, visual illusions, and disorientation. Subjects provided either 6 one-hour naps or one 6-hour sleep period were able to complete the 42-hour study and suffered fewer psychiatric symptoms. The group working continuously suffered marked impairments of performance, especially in the addition task, while those receiving one-hour or six-hour rest periods sustained their level of performance much more effectively. These results show that when absolutely continuous sustained work is required, performance deteriorates seriously even within the first 24 hours.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 24, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA098682
Entities
People
- Daniel F. Kripke
- Daniel J. Mullaney
- Paul Fleck
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego