The effect of 2-h sleep reduction by a delayed bedtime on daytime sleepiness in children.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of acute 2h sleep reduction by a delayed bedtime on daytime sleepiness. Three children were evaluated over three consecutive days: two control days and a 2h sleep reduction day. A sleep latency test was conducted five times each day at 2h intervals from 10.00 h. The results showed that the effects of sleep loss generally increased daytime sleepiness, in particular, at 10.00 h, and suggested that the intensity of morning sleepiness may become a useful measure which reflects sleep loss.