Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
08:36
Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
12.0K
Time of Day and Sleep Deprivation Effects on Risky Decision Making
Noelia Ruiz-Herrera1,2, Mia Friedman1, Melissa A St Hilaire1,2,3
1Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Clocks & Sleep
|June 26, 2024
Summary
Human neurobehavioral functions show daily variations influenced by the circadian system. This study found that sleep deprivation and circadian rhythms impact risky decision-making performance and reaction times.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Human neurobehavioral functions exhibit daily variations linked to the endogenous circadian system.
- Understanding circadian influences on cognitive tasks, especially under sleep deprivation, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the circadian influence on risky decision-making.
- To determine if sleep deprivation alters performance on a risky decision-making task.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen participants underwent a 39-hour constant routine (CR) protocol.
- Participants remained awake in constant conditions, performing the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) every two hours.
- Reaction time (RT) and risk propensity were measured.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in mean pumps (gains) and balloons popped (losses) were observed during the CR (p < 0.001, p = 0.003).
- Reaction time varied significantly across the CR (p < 0.001), with slower RTs post-sleep deprivation.
- Risk propensity was higher midday before sleep deprivation and lower after 29.5 hours of wakefulness.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythms and sleep deprivation significantly influence risky decision-making and reaction times.
- Further research with monetary incentives and neurophysiological measures is recommended.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
139
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
139
01:15Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
57
Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
57
01:20Decision Making
106
Decision-making is a fundamental cognitive process that involves evaluating alternatives and selecting among them. This process can range from simple choices, such as deciding what to wear, to complex decisions, like choosing a major in college or a career path. The complexity of the decision often dictates the approach we use, which can be broadly categorized into two types: automatic and controlled decision-making.
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...
106
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
164
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
164
01:37Reason and Intuition
6.4K
The human brain processes information for decision-making using one of two routes: an intuitive system and a rational system (Epstein, 1994; popularized by Kahneman, 2011 as System 1 and System 2, respectively). The intuitive system is quick, impulsive, and operates with minimal effort, relying on emotions or habits to provide cues for what to do next, while the rational system is logical, analytical, deliberate, and methodical. Research in neuropsychology suggests that the...
6.4K
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
141
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
141