This study analyzed variations in time estimation during 60 hrs of sleep deprivation, and the relation of time estimation performance and the activation measures of skin resistance level, body temperature, and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) scores. A lengthening in time estimations that was modulated by circadian oscillations was found among 30 healthy participants 18-24 yrs of age. No differences in gender were found in the time estimation task during sleep deprivation. The variations in time estimation correlated significantly with body temperature, skin resistance level, and SSS throughout the sleep deprivation period. When body temperature is elevated, indicating a high level of activation, the interval tends to be underestimated, and vice versa. When the skin resistance level or SSS is elevated, time estimation is lengthened, and vice versa. This lengthening is important as many everyday situations involve duration estimation under moderate to severe sleep loss. Applications of this research include transportation systems and emergency response work.
Abstract