Behavioural measurements of sleep onset: A comparison of two devices.
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Date
20042004
Authors
Connelly, Liam
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Abstract
Daytime fatigue as a result of reducing nocturnal sleep in order to work longer
hours is a common problem in modem societies. Recent research has shown that a
nap of 10 minutes in length can increase people's awareness and subsequent
performance. However, the problem arises of how to undertake a 10 minute nap
without over-sleeping. Behavioural measurements of sleep onset may provide the
answer, as they are an inexpensive and convenient way to measure sleep onset. This
study examined which out of a passive and active behavioural device was the best
measure of sleep onset as defined by polysornnograhic sleep onset. The present study
used a repeated measures design which involved six participants who were measured
using both the active and passive devices, each for three days. On each occasion the
participants were measured, they undertook a total of nine sleep onset sessions. Six of
the sleep onset sessions involved participants falling asleep whilst using the device,
while three sessions involved them falling asleep without the device (control
condition). The results revealed no significant difference between the active and
passive device both for their discrepancy magnitude from polysornnograhic sleep
onset and for their discrepancy standard deviations. In addition there were no learning
effects for the devices, and the devices did not prolong sleep onset compared to the
control condition. The results obtained suggested that both devices were effective
measures of sleep onset. However, further research will need to be undertaken to
address the limitations of this study and provide a more detailed analysis of the two
devices before the full extent of their effectiveness can be determined.
Description
Thesis (B.Psych.(Hons.))--Flinders University of South Australia, Dept. of Psychology.