The Effects of Acute Total Sleep Deprivation Versus Normal Sleep on Metabolism

The Role of Acute Total Sleep Deprivation in the Regulation of Metabolism, Neuroendocrine Responses, and Behavioral Measures

The study proposes to investigate whether acute total deprivation affects metabolism as measured through blood and peripheral tissues. Its aim is also to investigate how acute total sleep deprivation affects neurodegenerative markers, as well as hormones, memory performance and aspects of appetite regulation.

It is predicted that acute total sleep deprivation will affect gene expression and DNA methylation. It is also predicted that sleep deprivation will up-regulate ghrelin, and affect other neuroendocrine markers and hormones in a negative manner. It is further predicted that sleep deprivation will decrease participants' memory performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male
• Age 18-28y
• Healthy (self-reported) and not on medication
• Non-smoking
• Normal sleep-wake rhythm (i.e. 7-8 h per night, self-reported via diaries)

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
• Current or history of endocrine, neurological or psychiatric disorders
• Shift work in the preceding three months or for a long duration
• Time travel over a significant number of time zones in the preceding two months
• Too much weight gain or weight loss in the preceding three months