Effects of scheduled afternoon naps and bedrest on daytime alertness

Abstract

A forced-rest postulate and recuperative theory of sleep function were tested. Eighteen normal, healthy young adult males were studied in a balanced design which comprised single treatment replicates of polygraphically recorded 2:40-4:00 p.m. napping and bedrest. Under both conditions subjects were required to lie quietly in bed with eyes closed. During bedrest, stage 1 sleep episodes were allowed to intervene, but for no longer than 1.5 min simultaneously. Dependent variables of waking function were initially assessed at 12:30 p.m. for 1.2 hr and then again 20 min following the conditions from 4:20 until 5:30 p.m. Measurements were obtained from: (a) short-term memory, visual four-choice reaction time, and auditory vigilance tasks; (b) 4-7 Hz EEG theta rhythm; (c) sublingual temperature; (d) the Stanford Sleepiness Scale; and (e) mood subscales (activation, euphoria, fatigue) on an adjective check list. During bedrest compared with napping, subjects averaged significantly more: (a) stage 1 (in aggregate:...