J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2007 Nov;46(6):539-545.

The Effect of Total Sleep Deprivation on the Physiological and Cognitive Function

• Jeong JH
• Song HR
• Shin YK
• Han JH
• Lee SP
• Hong SC

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Purpose of this study was to investigate physiological and neurocognitive effects of total sleep deprivation by using laboratory blood tests and the computerized neurocognitive function test in healthy subjects.
METHODS
Sixteen healthy volunteers participated in this study. Subjects were recommended to remain awake for 48 hours under continuous surveillance. Lab tests of cortisol, prolactin, thyroid hormone, growth hormone, and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE), CBC, BC and the Vienna test were performed before and after 48 hours of total sleep deprivation.
RESULTS
Concentration of T3 and T4 significantly increased after deprivation. In the reaction test, distribution reaction time significantly increased, and correct reaction significantly decreased. In the vigilance test, amount of correct reaction significantly decreased, and the mean value of correct reaction time was significantly delayed. Level of fasting blood sugar, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and potassium significantly increased, respectively, except for the level of total bilirubin which was decreased. After total sleep deprivation, WBC counts significantly increased. Regarding immunoglobulin level, IgG, IgA and Ag M concentrations appeared to decrease, but the results were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
The effect of total sleep deprivation on physiological function was significant in the level of thyroid hormone. Although statistically not significant, the results of growth hormone and the immune system showed a trend in relations to the effect of total sleep deprivation. Results of blood chemistry suggest that sleep deprivation may influence metabolism of hepatobiliary system. Cognitive impairment was also seen in reactive and vigilant functions after total sleep deprivation.

Keyword

Sleep deprivation; Physiological function; Neurocognitive function; Computerized neurocognitive functioning test

MeSH Terms

Alkaline Phosphatase
Bilirubin
Blood Glucose
Chemistry
Fasting
Growth Hormone
Healthy Volunteers
Hematologic Tests
Hydrocortisone
Immune System
Immunoglobulin A
Immunoglobulin D
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulin M
Immunoglobulins
Metabolism
Potassium
Prolactin
Reaction Time
Sleep Deprivation*
Thyroid Gland
Alkaline Phosphatase
Bilirubin
Blood Glucose
Growth Hormone
Hydrocortisone
Immunoglobulin A
Immunoglobulin D
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulin M
Immunoglobulins
Potassium
Prolactin