Chapter 1. The Effect of Sleep Deprivation: Three Brave Souls

Short Description

Three young adults, two males and one female, agree to participate in a study of sleep deprivation. In the 60 hours that they will go without sleep, researchers will assess their judgment and ability to concentrate. The electrical activity of the brain as measured by the electroencephalograph (EEG) will also provide information on the participants' level of alertness.

Long Description

A simulated driving test will assess their ability to stay on the road. As the participants watch television the first night, a security guard and a student team make certain they remain awake. A variety of activities keep the volunteers going. As morning breaks, the volunteers are feeling the effects of a sleepless night. Vigorous exercise helps them to stay awake and keep warm. The participants do not look forward to the second night. They plan to help each other stay awake. Together, they again engage in stimulating physical activity. During the middle of night, they appear exhausted. Dawn breaks and one volunteer describes the night as “absolute hell.” For the last four hours, the participants could only stay awake by standing up and walking around. During the last round of tests, the volunteers are nodding off. Brain electrical activity as assessed by the EEG indicates that one volunteer is in “micro” sleep. While taking the simulated driving test, another volunteer drives off the road. Sixty hours have passed and the participants can finally sleep. They do so in the laboratory so that the researchers can assess their rate of recovery. After twelve hours, the alarm rings and the volunteers report having enjoyed restful sleep. All three are revitalized and tests suggest that two of the three are virtually back to normal in terms of reaction time and judgment.

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