Effects of Total Sleep Deprivation on Mood States of Normal Adults

Kim, H; Kim, L; Suh, K Y

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The object of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of sleep deprivation on mood states of normal adults using a subjective scale and an objectives scale, minimizing the effect of other factors other than that of sleep deprivation.
METHODS
Seventy volunteers were first participated in this sleep deprivation schedule, and 36 of them completed this experiment, The subjects and the control group members were all in their early 20's (mean age=20.8+/-1.35 vs 20.6+/-1.10) and in good health. A log was checked by these subjects from a week before the laboratory study started. Drugs, alcohol and beverages containing any caffeine had been prohibited for a week before and during sleep deprivation periods. The study was performed onlu in summer to control other factors like sunlight, temperature and moisture. Before this experiment, the subjects had slept adequately for a week at least. On day 1 of the experiment the subjects got up at 6 a.m. and stayed in a sleep laboratory without sunlight or external noises. They could only go about their daily routines. They were forbidden to have a nap and be drowsy. GVA (Global Vigor and Aftect) and MADRS (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) were checked 11times. The data was analysed focusing on the changing mood states.
RESULTS
The mood during sleep deprivation became worse as the sleep deprivation time progressed. Especially 20 hours (GA=59.25+/-8.06, MARDS=3.43+/-1.25) and 40 hours (GA=38.83+/-9.22, MADRS=6.08+/-1.46) after sleep deprivation, there were significant changes compared to the control group (MADRS=6.08+/-1.46 vs 1.07+/-1.18, p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
While controlling factors other than sleep deprivation might have had some influence on mood changes, significant mood changes during sleep deprivation were observed. The mood states became worse as the sleep deprivation progressed.