Sleep Deprivation and the Effects on Short-Term Cognitive and Physical Function — Presentation Detail — Celebration of Scholars

Instructions

Student presentations must have a faculty sponsor.

Abstracts must include a title and a description of the research, scholarship, or creative work. The description should be 150-225 words in length and constructed in a format or style appropriate for the presenter’s discipline.

The following points should be addressed within the selected format or style for the abstract:

A clear statement of the problem or question you pursued, or the scholarly goal or creative theme achieved in your work.
A brief comment about the significance or uniqueness of the work.
A clear description of the methods used to achieve the purpose or goals for the work.
A statement of the conclusions, results, outcomes, or recommendations, or if the work is still in progress, the results you expect to report at the event.

Presenter photographs should be head and shoulder shots comparable to passport photos.

Additional Information

More information is available at carthage.edu/celebration-scholars/. The following are members of the Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Committee who are eager to listen to ideas and answer questions:

Jun Wang
Kim Instenes
John Kirk
Nora Nickels
Andrew Pustina
James Ripley

Sleep Deprivation and the Effects on Short-Term Cognitive and Physical Function

Name: Ginalyn Mendillo
Major: Athletic Training
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Course project

Name: Emily Hardie
Major: Athletic Training
Hometown: Milton, WI
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Course project

Name: Mitchel Wright
Major: Athletic Training
Hometown: Hampton, IL
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Course project

Abstract

The investigated problem was to observe and measure the effects of acute total sleep deprivation on cognitive ability and physical performance on young adults.

The significance of the study stems from the connection of sleep deprivation to decreased academic and job performance. Subjects included eight college students in the Athletic Training Education Program.

After 8 hours of sleep and following dietary guidelines to eliminate nutrient deficits, subjects were evaluated for baseline cognitive and physical performance. The next 36 hours involved a bout of total sleep deprivation where cognitive and physical performance were assessed every 6 hours.

In conclusion, trend lines showed decreases in vertical jump, agility, and memory recall over the 36 hours. The tests for CNS fatigue and balance did not reveal any deficits due to sleep deprivation. A literature review found similar ties and correlations, however they were inconclusive in regards to effects of acute sleep deprivation. With our results we noted exposure to sunlight and lack thereof also adversely affected the self-reported symptoms and measured functionality of the body. Future studies should examine this effect.

With evidence of a relationship between sleep deprivation and decreased physiological outcomes, there is scientific evidence for the modification of secondary school systems and their schedules, or healthcare professionals and their daily shifts. Solidified information can help reduce the prevalence of future fatigue-related injuries and events.

Poster file