Sleep Deprivation's Regulation of Immune System Function and Behavior

The Role of Sleep Deprivation in the Regulation of Immune System, Neuroendocrine Responses, and Behavioral Measures.

The study proposes to investigate whether sleep deprivation will affect a variety of measures, including hormones, immune system functioning, and behaviors related to food intake and hunger. It is predicted that sleep deprivation will affect circulating neutrophil activity, and do so via affects on DNA methylation. It is also predicted that sleep deprivation will up-regulate ghrelin, and down-regulate circulating oxytocin. Finally, it is predicted that sleep deprivation will increase participants' tendencies to pick larger portions of food, and also increase their tendency to purchase foods that are more caloric in a mock supermarket scenario.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male
• Age 18-35y
• Healthy (self-reported) and not on medication
• Non-smoking
• Normal sleep-wake rhythm (i.e. 7-8 h per night, self-reported)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major illness
• Taking any serious medications
• Any sleep conditions (e.g. irregular bedtimes, sleep complaints)
• Any dietary issues with the food items provided
• A history of endocrine or psychiatric disorders