Citation

Mantua J, Bessey AF, Ritland BM, Naylor JA, Chabuz R, McKeon AB, Capaldi VF, Sowden WJ. Sleep Med. 2020; 73: 130-134.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.sleep.2020.04.011

PMID

32827885

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sleep loss negatively impacts stationary balance in a laboratory setting, but few studies have examined this link in a naturalistic environment. We tested this relationship in U.S. Army soldiers that often undergo mission-driven sleep loss and who conduct high-risk operations on precarious terrain.

METHODS: Stationary balance was tested before and after a mission night.

RESULTS: After mission-driven sleep loss, in more difficult conditions (but not easy conditions) balance was more unstable and more variable than a rested baseline condition. Furthermore, habitual sleep quality prior to sleep loss predicted the balance decrement after sleep loss.

CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, mission-driven sleep loss may negatively impact soldier balance, but better sleep prior to the mission may mitigate these negative effects.

Language: en

Keywords

Injury; Military; Balance; Sleep