Some effects of sleep loss on vestibular responses

This study assessed ocular nystagmus and motion experiences of men exposed to both simple (angular acceleration) and complex (Coriolis) vestibular stimulation during approximately 55 h of sleep loss. Control and sleep-deprived groups each comprised 10 young men. Angular accelerations and Coriolis stimulation (30 degrees head movements during CW rotation) were accomplished in darkness in an enclosed Still-Werner rotating device. Nystagmus and motion experiences (turning, "diving," and "climbing") were recorded throughout each session. Tests were given at 0900 and 1300 on each of 3 successive days. Subjects ingested 10-mg of d-amphetamine at 1200 on Day 3. During simple stimulation, the sleep-deprived group showed regular declines across sessions in slow phase and duration measures of nystagmus but fast phase ocular frequency and measures of experienced turning resisted declines until the final predrug session; subjective response latencies increased with sleep loss. Declines during rotation for ocular output and measures of perceived displacement during rightward head tilts ("climbing" sensation) were obtained for the sleep deprived, but both nystagmus and sensations were unaffected by return (leftward) movements of the head ("diving" sensation). d-Amphetamine had no consistent effect on responses of control subjects, but significantly increased nystagmus and elevated (but not significantly) measures of turning experiences for the sleep deprived.