0254 The Effects of Chronic Sleep Restriction on Multiple Object Tracking

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The ability to simultaneously track numerous moving objects in the presence of irrelevant stimuli is essential for successfully carrying out a variety of tasks. Sleep loss impairs neurocognitive functioning and, as a result, attentional processing capacity is reduced. The objective of the current study was to determine if performance on the multiple object tracking (MOT) task was adversely impacted by a week of chronic sleep restriction (CSR). Methods Twelve healthy participants (6 males, 6 females) kept a fixed sleep-wake schedule, with a constant waketime, at home for four weeks (actigraphy confirmed compliance). During weeks one and three, participants maintained 9 hours in bed. During weeks two and four, participants were randomly assigned to 5 and 9 hours of sleep. Following weeks two and four, participants completed a 13-hour laboratory visit under dim light (< 15 lux), where they maintained a constant posture and were provided with hourly isocaloric snacks. MOT was presented at approximately 6 and 8 hours after waking. Participants were required to track four, five, or six moving targets in the presence of identical distractors (always 12 total objects). Results Participants slept significantly less when assigned to 5 (M = 4.43 hours, SD = 0.33 hours), compared to 9 hours of sleep (M = 7.42 hours, SD = 0.42 hours; F (1, 22) = 206.89, p = 0.00). The proportion of correct MOT responses was significantly lower following 5 (M = 0.70, SD = 0.15) compared to 9 hours of sleep (M = 0.77, SD = 0.12; F (1, 22) = 10.29, p < .05). Conclusion A week of CSR adversely impacted MOT performance compared to a week of sleep satiation. These findings have implications for individuals, such as air traffic controllers and truck drivers, who must visually track multiple moving objects, often while chronically sleep deprived. Support Supported by the Force Health Protection Program of the Office of Naval Research (SAA2402925-1, Contract Award no. N0001418IP00050).