Sleep optimization to prevent sleep loss

Abstract

Sleep loss is a main factor in the decrease of military performances observed during continuous and sustained operations. Sleep loss in humans is associated with cognitive function impairments, hormonal and immune-inflammatory responses, which may have clinical relevance. This thematic session focus on strategies proposed as protective countermeasures during and/or before sleep loss. Through a transdisciplinary approach, speakers will show the cognitive and physiological benefits of sleep optimization countermeasures (work/rest schedules, sleep extension, nap improvement, etc.) in order to prevent sleep-loss induced impairments. Results from field study related to identification of best Work and Rest Schedules in army and navy will be presented and discuss. Before operations, sleep extension could improve tolerance to sleep loss. Benefice and limits of sleep extension will be presented through cognitive, hormonal and immune-inflammatory point of view, from two studies in laboratory. Then, the last speaker will show an original work related to the improvement of naps in occupational settings, with hypnotic suggestions.