0242 Efficient Perception-Action Coupling Relates to More Slow Wave Sleep in Military Personnel. (27th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: LaGoy, A D; Eagle, S R; Sinnott, A M; Beckner, M E; Conkright, W R; Flanagan, S D; Martin, B J; Nindl, B C; Germain, A; Ferrarelli, F; Connaboy, C
• Is Part Of: Sleep. Volume 43(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A93
• Page End: A93
• Publication Date: 2020-05-27
• Subjects: Sleep -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sleep disorders -- Periodicals; Sommeil -- Aspect physiologique -- Périodiques; Sommeil, Troubles du -- Périodiques; Sleep disorders; Sleep -- Physiological aspects; Sleep -- physiological aspects; Sleep Wake Disorders; Psychophysiology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.8498
• DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.240
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-8105

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The ability to adapt actions to perceptions of environmental constraints, perception-action coupling, may be compromised by military operational stress (caloric restriction, sleep disruption, physical exertion). Differences in sleep may influence susceptibility to these stressors. We investigated perception-action coupling during simulated military operational stress and the influence of sleep on perception-action coupling. Methods: During a 5-day simulated military operational stress protocol, thirty-six (6 female) service members (25.8 ± 4.7 years) completed three trials of a perception-action coupling task (PACT) in the evening after a night of baseline sleep (BASE), two nights of sleep restriction (T1) and a night of recovery sleep (T2). Participants had 8-hr for baseline and recovery sleep (2300-0700) and 4-hr disturbed sleep on sleep restriction nights (0100-0300 and 0500-0700). Polysomnography was used to determine time spent in different sleep stages: stage 2 (N2), slow wave (SWS) and rapid-eye movement (REM). The tablet-based PACT requires participants make quick, accurate perceptual judgments and responses about the ability of virtual balls to fit through virtual apertures. Linear mixed models were used to assess interaction and main effects of study day and prior sleep on PACT response time (RT) and accuracy (ACC). Results: No significant sleep x time interactions or significant main effect of time were found for RT or ACC. A significant main effect of SWS was found for RT ( F 1, 88.307 = 4.331, p = .04). Higher SWS was related to lower (faster) RT. No significant main effects of other sleep stages were found. Conclusion: Perception-action coupling was maintained during simulated military operational stress. Participants with more SWS across the study responded faster during the PACT but N2 and REM sleep did not relate to perception-action coupling performance, suggesting a specific effect of SWS on perception-action coupling abilities and behaviors. Support: Department of Defense Award #W81XWH-17-2-0070 (PI: Nindl)