Sleep Restriction during Simulated Wildfire Suppression: Effect on Physical Task Performance

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115329
• Publication Date: 2015-01-23T15:10:50Z
• Authors: Grace Vincent; Sally A. Ferguson; Jacqueline Tran; Brianna Larsen; Alexander Wolkow; Brad Aisbett
• Keywords: Sleep restriction; Sleep; Affect; Exertion; Perceived exertion

Objectives To examine the effects of sleep restriction on firefighters' physical task performance during simulated wildfire suppression. Methods Thirty-five firefighters were matched and randomly allocated to either a control condition (8-hour opportunity, n = 18) or restricted (4-hour 17). Performance work tasks was evaluated across three days. In addition, heart rate, core temperature, worker activity measured continuously. Rate perceived exertion effort sensation periods. Results There no differences between sleep-restricted groups in performance, perceptual responses self-paced firefighting tasks. However, group less active periods non-physical compared group. Conclusions Under conditions, 4 h did not adversely affect physically throughout simulation. This may indicate that participants adapted their behaviour conserve rest periods, subsequently ensure they able maintain firefighter contributes new knowledge inform fire agencies operational capabilities when is multi-day events. The also highlights need for further research explore how affects varying duration, intensity, complexity.