Metabolic and Cognitive Parameters Following Partial Sleep Deprivation

Metabolic and Cognitive Effects of Sleep Deprivation

The purpose of this study is to determine whether partial sleep deprivation, as compared with normal sleep, influences certain metabolic and cognitive parameters, related to food intake, hunger and memory functions, when participants are shielded from external time cues.

It is predicted that partial sleep deprivation negatively affects the hormonal status, e.g. upregulating ghrelin and other hunger-promoting hunger hormones, while showing impaired memory functions. It is also predicted that participants will tend to increase their desired portion sizes after partial sleep deprivation, compared with after a normal night's sleep.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male
• Age 20-28y
• Healthy (self-reported) and not on medication
• Non-smoking
• Normal sleep-wake rhythm (i.e. 7-8 h per night, self-reported and verified by sleep diaries)
• Normal dietary habits (regular meal pattern with daily breakfast)

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, neurological or psychiatric disorders
• Shift work in the previous 3 months
• Travel over several time zones within the previous two months