Short-term sleep deprivation and human thermoregulatory function during thermal challenges

Abstract

New findings: What is the topic of this review? It is generally accepted that sleep deprivation constitutes a predisposing factor to the development of thermal injury. This review summarizes the available human-based evidence on the impact of sleep loss on autonomic and behavioural thermoeffectors during acute exposure to low and high ambient temperatures. What advances does it highlight? Limited to moderate evidence suggests that sleep deprivation per se impairs thermoregulatory defence mechanisms during exposure to thermal extremes. Future research is required to establish whether inadequate sleep enhances the risk for cold- and heat-related illnesses.

Abstract: Relatively short periods of inadequate sleep provoke physiological and psychological perturbations, typically leading to functional impairments and degradation in performance. It is commonly accepted that sleep deprivation also disturbs thermal homeostasis, plausibly enhancing susceptibility to cold- and heat-related illnesses. Herein, we summarize the current state of human-based evidence on the impact of short-term (i.e., ≤4 nights) sleep deprivation on autonomic and behavioural thermoeffectors during acute exposure to low and high ambient temperatures. The purpose of this brief narrative review is to highlight knowledge gaps in the area and stimulate future research to investigate whether sleep deprivation constitutes a predisposing factor for the development of thermal injuries.

Keywords: cold; fatigue; heat; hyperthermia; hypothermia; occupational physiology; thermal behaviour; wakefulness.