Effects of Sleep Loss on Vestibular Response during Simple and Complex Vestibular Stimulation
Abstract
Few data are available concerning the effects of sleep loss on vestibular responses althought those responses are significant products of motion in aviation environments. This study assessed periodically throughout approx. 55 hrs. of sleep loss the ocular nystagmus and motion experiences of men exposed to both simple (angular acceleration and complex (Coriolis) vestibular stimulation. The effects on those responses of an alerting drug administered after 54 hr of sleep loss were also examined. Control and sleep-deprived groups each comprised 10 young men. Angular accelerations and Coriolis stimulation (30- deg head movements during CW rotation) were accomplished in an enclosed Stille- Werner rotating device. Nystagmus and motion experience (turning, diving, and climbing) were recorded throughout each session. Tests were given at 0900 and 1300 on each of 3 successive days. Subjects ingested 10-mg of d-amphetamine at 1200 on day 3. During simple stimulation, the sleep-deprived group showed regular declines across sessions in slow phases and duration measures of nystagmus but fast phase ocular frequency and measures of experienced turning resisted declines until the final predrug session; response latencies increased with sleep loss. Declines during rotation for ocular (climbing sensation) were obtained for the sleep deprived, but both nystagmus and sensations were unaffected d-amphetamine had no consistent effect on either the ocular or subjective responses of control subjects, but significantly increased nystagmus and elevated (but not signifcantly) measures of turning experiences for the sleep deprived.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA173292
Entities
People
- William E. Collins
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration