The Effects of Total Sleep Deprivation on Basic Vital Signs and Cognitive Function in Humans

Sleep deprivation is a common problem in modern society. Because sleep is a time for the body to regenerate vital parts, especially neurons, it has been the subject of scientific studies for the past 30 plus years. Unfortunately, with lack of sleep come many unwanted side effects, including impaired thinking, memory, and the depression of some vital signs. This experiment was designed to test the effects sleep deprivation on blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, and some cognitive abilities in order to compare results with past studies. Six human volunteers, 3 female and 3 male, ages of 18 and 30, were studied in a two-part experiment, which included one 24-hour study of each individual’s normal body conditions, and one 24-hour study of reactions to sleep deprivation. Comparison of the two data sets suggested a correlation between sleep deprivation and a decrease in blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, and cognitive performance. Pulse was most significantly affected; both blood pressures and body temperatures mimicked circadian patterns, but both also showed a decrease in overall levels of pressure and temperature when compared to the normal body conditions. Drops in cognitive tests scores show a decrease in long and short-term memory, creative thinking, and the ability to think and solve problems within time constraints. The results demonstrate differences between normal body/brain function and that of sleep-deprived individuals. Additional studies involving more subjects, a more controlled environment, and/or a different variety of cognitive tests are required in order to make conclusive assumptions about a larger population.