Voluntary Self-Control of Sleep to Facilitate Quasi-Continuous Performance.
Abstract
The aim of our research has been to evaluate the potential of napping for facilitating quasi-continuous functioning. Earlier work by this laboratory has isolated individual napping patterns. Replacement nappers are individuals who utilize naps to make up for lost sleep or in anticipation of future sleep loss. Appetitive nappers nap even in the absence of fatigue because they enjoy the experience and derive psychological benefit from the nap. Non-nappers neither nap, nor do they find naps helpful. The current study expands these findings and explores the effect of asking individuals to nap in an environment not conducive to sleep. Further, it examines the effect of naps on performance. The overall thrust is to develop the concept of prophylactic napping as a means of training soldiers to utilize available slack time during quasi-continuous performance to prevent the accumulation of sleep debt, and thus maintain optimal functioning. In this report an updated review of the relevant literature on napping and fragmented sleep is included. Studies are discussed in relation to our approach to the use of napping. Further findings relevant to these issues are presented, including differences in sleep efficiency, delta sleep onset, oral temperature, and the factors that influence the ease of napping.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA117381
Entities
People
- David F. Dinges
- Emily Carota Orne
- Frederick J. Evans
- Martin T. Orne