Effects of dawn simulation on markers of sleep inertia and post-waking performance in humans

Andrew Thompson; Helen Jones; Warren Gregson; Greg Atkinson

doi:10.1007/s00421-014-2831-z

European Journal of Applied Physiology

May 2014, Volume 114, Issue 5, pp 1049–1056

Effects of dawn simulation on markers of sleep inertia and post-waking performance in humans

Authors
Authors and affiliations

Andrew ThompsonEmail author
Helen Jones
Warren Gregson
Greg Atkinson

Original Article

First Online:: 11 February 2014

Received:: 16 October 2013
Accepted:: 21 January 2014

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-014-2831-z

Cite this article as:: Thompson, A., Jones, H., Gregson, W. et al. Eur J Appl Physiol (2014) 114: 1049. doi:10.1007/s00421-014-2831-z

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Abstract

Purpose

To examine the effects of a simulated dawn during the last 30 min of sleep on the subsequent dissipation of sleep inertia and changes in simulated work and physical performance.

Methods

Eight participants, who reported difficulty with morning waking, were administered in a random order to a control (C) and a dawn simulation (DS) trial (starting 30 min prior to waking). Subjective ratings of sleep quality and alertness were obtained alongside measures of cognitive performance (addition and reaction time tasks measured at 5, 30 and 75 min after waking at habitual workday times). Physical performance was also measured 35 min after waking using a self-paced cycling protocol.

Results

After waking in DS, perceived sleep quality was 1.16 ± 0.89 (p = 0.01) points higher compared with C. Ratings of alertness were significantly higher in DS than C throughout the testing period (p = 0.04). Cognitive performance improved in both trials as time awake increased (p < 0.0005). On average, participants completed a greater number of additions in DS compared with C (69.5 ± 15.3 vs 66.9 ± 16.7, p = 0.03). Reaction times were also faster in DS compared with C (0.81 ± 0.07 s vs 0.86 ± 0.06 s, p < 0.0005). The self-paced time-trial was completed 21.4 s (4.7 %) quicker in DS (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

These data provide the first evidence that light exposure during the last 30 min of habitual sleep can increase subjective alertness and improve both cognitive and physical performance after waking.

Keywords

Artificial dawn Sleep inertia Performance Phototherapy

Abbreviations

95 % CI: 95 % Confidence interval
C: Control condition
DS: Dawn simulation condition
ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
KSS: Karolinska sleepiness scale
RPE: Rating of perceived exertion
s: Second
SD: Standard deviation
T_c: Intestinal temperature
VAS: Visual analogue scale

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Authors and Affiliations

Andrew Thompson
- 1
- 2
Email author
Helen Jones
- 2
Warren Gregson
- 2
Greg Atkinson
- 3

1.Clinical Epidemiology Group, Department of Epidemiology and Public HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
2.Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
3.Health and Social Care InstituteTeesside UniversityMiddlesbroughUK

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Effects of dawn simulation on markers of sleep inertia and post-waking performance in humans

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keywords

Abbreviations

Copyright information

Authors and Affiliations

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