Abstract

Fatigue accompanying sleep deprivation due to stressful conditions has become an issue of major concern in modern technological society. This study was designed to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on postural control and to assess the efficacy of a short objective posturographic test as an indicator of fatigue. Postural sway using static posturography, subjective fatigue assessment (Stanford Sleepiness Scale) and computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) test were assessed in 30 healthy male subjects before and after 24 h of sustained wakefulness. After sustained wakefulness, center-of-pressure sway showed a significant increase in spectral power at high frequencies. CDP test showed decreased vestibular ratio after sleep deprivation. Also it showed significant increase of latencies and slowed adaptations after sleep deprivation. Subjective fatigue assessment scores were also significantly increased. The vestibular function appears to be affected by fatigue. The reduction of adaptation is likely related to slowed central postural reflexes. Fatigue caused by sleep deprivation can be objectively assessed by a short, non-invasive, postural test. (Korean J Str Res 2010;18:327∼335)

• Keywords: Stress, Sleep deprivation, Posture, Fatigue