Sleep loss is related to unstable stationary balance in U.S. Army soldiers in an operationally-relevant context

Sleep Med. 2020 Sep:73:130-134. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.04.011. Epub 2020 Apr 23.

Abstract

Background: Sleep loss negatively impacts stationary balance in a laboratory setting, but few studies have examined this link in a naturalistic environment. We tested this relationship in U.S. Army soldiers that often undergo mission-driven sleep loss and who conduct high-risk operations on precarious terrain.

Methods: Stationary balance was tested before and after a mission night.

Results: After mission-driven sleep loss, in more difficult conditions (but not easy conditions) balance was more unstable and more variable than a rested baseline condition. Furthermore, habitual sleep quality prior to sleep loss predicted the balance decrement after sleep loss.

Conclusions: Therefore, mission-driven sleep loss may negatively impact soldier balance, but better sleep prior to the mission may mitigate these negative effects.

Keywords: Balance; Injury; Military; Sleep.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders*
  • Military Personnel*
  • Sleep
  • United States