Citation

Esmat TA, Clark KE, Muller MD, Juvancic-Heltzel JA, Glickman EL. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2012; 23(4): 349-355.

Affiliation

Exercise and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Kent State University, Kent, OH; Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.wem.2012.05.004

PMID

22763083

Abstract

OBJECTIVE.-: Sleep deprivation and cold air exposure are both experienced in occupational and military settings but the combined effects of these 2 stressors is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 53 hours of total sleep deprivation on thermoregulation during the rewarming phase (25°C air) after acute cold air exposure (10°C air). METHODS.-: Eight young men underwent 2 trials in which they either received 7 hours of sleep at night or were totally sleep deprived. On 3 consecutive mornings, the subjects underwent 2 hours of cold air exposure followed by 2 hours of rewarming. Rectal temperature, mean skin temperature, oxygen consumption, and thermal sensation were measured. RESULTS.-: Rewarming from acute cold air exposure caused a decline in rectal temperature (∼0.5°C) each day but this was not different between subjects who were totally sleep deprived and subjects who received 7 hours of sleep at night. During this same period, mean skin temperature increased (from ∼22°C to 27°C), oxygen consumption decreased (from ∼7 to 4 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), and the participants felt warmer. CONCLUSIONS.-: Under the conditions of the present study, sleep-deprived persons are not at a greater risk for a decline in rectal temperature (ie, a hypothermic afterdrop) during rewarming from cold air.

Language: en