Sleep Deprivation and Performance: Older Age Performance and Limited Sleep Period Use
Abstract
The purposes of these experiments were to assess the effects of three variables on performance in extended periods of time without sleep: the effects of prior repetition of performance in such conditions, the effects of age and the effects of limited interjected sleep periods. A computer-based battery of performance tasks as used which included subjective measures, short and long term monitoring tasks, continuous production tasks, precision measures, and an extensive battery of cognitive tests. Repetition of extended performance across 48 hours without sleep at four monthly intervals did not offset performance decrements. Where effects were obtained, performance decrements were enhanced. In two experiments with 40-50 year old subjects and 50-60 year old subjects in extended performance of forty-eight hours without sleep, where differences were obtained, older subjects showed a greater performance degradation. Three schedules of interjected naps within a 72 hour period of extended were used: two hour naps prior to the second and third night period, two hours naps following the first and second night period; and a single four hour nap prior to the second night. Limited counter degradation effects were found in the final period of performance. The largest decrements on measures were found in subjective measures, vigilance tasks, and continuous production tasks. More limited decrements or no decrements were found in the cognitive tasks and the precision measures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA153102
Entities
People
- Wiles B. Webb
Organizations
- University of Florida