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Project Title:  Countermeasures for Performance Deficits from Sleep Loss and Workload in Space Flight Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2012 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
 Start Date: 06/01/2008  
End Date: 09/30/2012  
Task Last Updated: 01/08/2013 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Dinges, David F. Ph.D. / University of Pennsylvania 
Address:  Department of Psychiatry 
423 Service Dr., 1013 Blockley Hall 
Philadelphia , PA 19104-4209 		 Email: dinges@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 
Phone: 215-898-9949  
Congressional District: 2 
Web:  
 Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Pennsylvania 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Banks, Siobhan  University of Pennsylvania Health System 
Goel, Namni  University of Pennsylvania 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Responsible Center: NSBRI 
Grant Monitor:  
Center Contact:   
Unique ID: 7046  		Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Crew Health NNJ07ZSA002N 
Grant/Contract No.: NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 2 
No. of PhD Candidates: 0 
No. of Master's Candidates: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 46  		No. of PhD Degrees: 0 
No. of Master's Degrees: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Degrees: 20 
Human Research Program Elements: (1) BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
(2) Sleep:Risk of Performance Decrements and Adverse Health Outcomes Resulting from Sleep Loss, Circadian Desynchronization, and Work Overload
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Identify and characterize key C/P/Psy/N outcome measures (biomarkers) and domains of relevance that are at risk due to spaceflight environmental stressors in exploration class missions and determine validated thresholds for identified biomarkers of adverse C/P/Psy/N outcomes to enable mission objectives and identify indicators of risk before progression to clinical levels of impairment.
(2) Sleep-102:We need to identify and develop an integrated, individualized suite of scheduling tools that predict the effects of sleep-wake cycles and light on performance, with validated countermeasures and on-board systems to monitor, prevent and/or treat chronic partial sleep loss, work overload, and/or circadian shifting in spaceflight.
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date change to 9/30/2012 (from 5/31/2012) per NSBRI (Ed., 1/24/2012)

Task Description: In order to be able to carry out mission-critical tasks at any time during a mission, astronauts must maintain a high level of performance in the face of demanding workloads and work-rest schedules that result in chronic sleep restriction. The proposed research used a laboratory-based study to acquire critically-needed information on the effects on performance of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction (Specific Aim 1). We tested the hypothesis that as sleep restriction accumulates, it would potentiate the performance-impairing effects of higher cognitive workload. Another key goal of the study was to provide astronauts with an objective way to identify performance changes and the need for countermeasures for fatigue from sleep restriction and high workload. To this end, the project completed validation of the sensitivity of the 3-minute PVT Self Test to high workload and sleep restriction. PVT Self Test feedback interfaces also have been evaluated, and the task was tested in analog operations to establish its technical feasibility (Specific Aim 2). Tertiary goals of the project include identification of biobehavioral predictors of differential vulnerability to the cognitive effects of sleep restriction and high workload (Specific Aim 3), and development of individualized biomathematical models that predict performance on the PVT Self Test during high workload (Specific Aim 4). The project has primary relevance to the strategic goals of the NSBRI Human Factors and Performance (HFP) Team. This project is finished with N=71 subjects completing the laboratory protocol: this number is sufficient to evaluate the effects of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction on performance.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The research builds on an extensive body of work we have conducted to help manage the cognitive performance of astronauts in space while they undergo high workload and sleep restriction. The acquisition of critically needed knowledge on how these factors potentiate fatigue effects on performance will help set standards and improve individualized mathematical models that predict countermeasure needs. The continued development of the PVT Self Test will offer a tool by which astronauts can autonomously assess their performance fitness and make decisions about countermeasures. These deliverables will also have utility in a broad range of Earth-based applications in which sleep restriction and workload have major adverse impacts on human performance (e.g., transportation modes, power plants, military operations).

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2012 
Task Progress: The project is completed--data collection in the study occurred without incident. This year, N=12 healthy adults completed the 12-day experimental protocol (for a total of 144 laboratory days). Thus, collectively across 4 years, N=71 healthy adults completed the 11-day experimental protocol (for a total of 852 laboratory days). Throughout the 12-day experimental protocol, in which subjects were under continuous behavioral monitoring, we collected a large number of neurobehavioral and physiological tests to determine the effects of cognitive workload. These included the following: the 10-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) and the PVT Self Test, which assess vigilant attention; a modified version of the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), which lasts 30 minutes and assesses sleep propensity during waking; the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS); VAS fatigue scales; executive function tests that relate to prefrontal cortex functioning; cardiac measurements of heart rate and heart rate variability; polysomnography; power spectral analysis of non-REM slow-wave activity; waking EEG; and blood draws for genetic biomarker identification.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 05/08/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Abe T, Goel N, Braun ME, Dinges DF. "Effect of cognitive workload on polysomnographic measures under sleep restricted and non-sleep restricted conditions." 26th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, Boston, MA, June 9-13, 2012.

Sleep. 2012 Sleep. 2012;35 Suppl:A118-9. http://www.journalsleep.org/Resources/Documents/2012abstractsupplement.pdf , Jun-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Abe T, Goel N, Braun ME, Dinges DF. "Sleep Risks in Space: Effect of Cognitive Workload on Sleep Measures Under Sleep Restricted and Non-Sleep Restricted Conditions." 2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, February 14-16, 2012.

2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, February 14-16, 2012. , Feb-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Basner M, Mollicone DJ, Dinges DF. "Development of Briefer Versions of the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) as Sensitive Assays of Fatigue-Related Decrements in Vigilant Attention." 2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, February 14-16, 2012.

2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, February 14-16, 2012. , Feb-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Braun ME, Goel N, Abe T, Dinges DF. "Fatigue Risks in Space: Neurobehavioral and Physiological Effects of High Cognitive Workload and Chronic Sleep Restriction." 2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, February 14-16, 2012.

2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, February 14-16, 2012. , Feb-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Braun ME, Goel N, Dinges DF. "Neurobehavioral and physiological effects of high cognitive workload and chronic sleep restriction." 26th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, Boston, MA, June 9-13, 2012.

Sleep. 2012 Sleep. 2012;35 Suppl:A107. http://www.journalsleep.org/Resources/Documents/2012abstractsupplement.pdf , Jun-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Lin L, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "Genetic Markers for Differential Vulnerability to Chronic Sleep Restriction: Applications to Space." 2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, February 14-16, 2012.

2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, February 14-16, 2012. , Feb-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Spaeth AM, Goel N, Dinges DF. "Sleep restriction associates with increased food intake, weight gain and changes in food cravings in healthy adults." 26th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, Boston, MA, June 9-13, 2012.

Sleep. 2012 Sleep. 2012;35 Suppl:A105. http://www.journalsleep.org/Resources/Documents/2012abstractsupplement.pdf , Jun-2012

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Goel N. "Genetics of sleep timing, duration and homeostasis in humans." Sleep Medicine Clinics. 2011 Jun;6(2):171-82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsmc.2011.03.004 , Jun-2011
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Basner M, Dinges DF. "An adaptive-duration version of the PVT accurately tracks changes in psychomotor vigilance induced by sleep restriction." Sleep. 2012 Feb 1;35(2):193-202. http://dx.doi.org/10.5665/sleep.1620 ; PubMed PMID: 22294809 , Feb-2012
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Basner M, Mollicone DJ, Dinges DF. "Validity and sensitivity of a brief psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-B) to total and partial sleep deprivation" Acta Astronautica. 2011 Dec;69(11-12):949-59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2011.07.015 ; PubMed PMID: 22025811 , Dec-2011
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Goel N, Banks S, Lin L, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism associates with individual differences in sleep physiologic responses to chronic sleep loss." PLoS One. 2011;6(12):e29283. Epub 2011 Dec 27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0029283 ; PubMed PMID: 22216231 , Dec-2011
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Goel N, Dinges DF. "Behavioral and genetic markers of sleepiness." Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2011 Oct 15;7(5 Suppl):S19-21. Review. http://dx.doi.org/10.5664/JCSM.1348 ; PubMed PMID: 22003324 , Oct-2011
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Goel N, Dinges, DF. "Predicting risk in space: Genetic markers for differential vulnerability to sleep restriction." Acta Astronautica. 2012 Aug-Sep;77:207-13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2012.04.002 , Aug-2012
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Spaeth AM, Goel N, Dinges DF. "Managing neurobehavioral capability when social expediency trumps biological imperatives." Progress in Brain Research. 2012;199:377-98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-59427-3.00021-6 ; PubMed PMID: 22877676 , Aug-2012
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Dennis LE, Wohl RJ, Selame LA, Goel N. "Healthy adults display long-term trait-like neurobehavioral resilience and vulnerability to sleep loss. " Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 2;7(1):14889. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-14006-7 ; PubMed PMID: 29097703; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5668275 , Nov-2017
Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Countermeasures for Performance Deficits from Sleep Loss and Workload in Space Flight Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2011 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
 Start Date: 06/01/2008  
End Date: 09/30/2012  
Task Last Updated: 05/04/2011 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Dinges, David F. Ph.D. / University of Pennsylvania 
Address:  Department of Psychiatry 
423 Service Dr., 1013 Blockley Hall 
Philadelphia , PA 19104-4209 		 Email: dinges@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 
Phone: 215-898-9949  
Congressional District: 2 
Web:  
 Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Pennsylvania 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Banks, Siobhan  University of Pennsylvania Health System 
Goel, Namni  University of Pennsylvania 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Responsible Center: NSBRI 
Grant Monitor:  
Center Contact:   
Unique ID: 7046  		Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Crew Health NNJ07ZSA002N 
Grant/Contract No.: NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 1 
No. of PhD Candidates: 0 
No. of Master's Candidates: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 45  		No. of PhD Degrees: 0 
No. of Master's Degrees: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Degrees: 11 
Human Research Program Elements: (1) BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
(2) Sleep:Risk of Performance Decrements and Adverse Health Outcomes Resulting from Sleep Loss, Circadian Desynchronization, and Work Overload
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Identify and characterize key C/P/Psy/N outcome measures (biomarkers) and domains of relevance that are at risk due to spaceflight environmental stressors in exploration class missions and determine validated thresholds for identified biomarkers of adverse C/P/Psy/N outcomes to enable mission objectives and identify indicators of risk before progression to clinical levels of impairment.
(2) Sleep-102:We need to identify and develop an integrated, individualized suite of scheduling tools that predict the effects of sleep-wake cycles and light on performance, with validated countermeasures and on-board systems to monitor, prevent and/or treat chronic partial sleep loss, work overload, and/or circadian shifting in spaceflight.
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date change to 9/30/2012 (from 5/31/2012) per NSBRI (Ed., 1/24/2012)

Task Description: In order to be able to carry out mission-critical tasks at any time during a mission, astronauts must maintain a high level of performance in the face of demanding workloads and work-rest schedules that result in chronic sleep restriction. The proposed research will use a laboratory-based study to acquire critically-needed information on the effects on performance of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction (Specific Aim 1). We will test the hypothesis that as sleep restriction accumulates, it will potentiate the performance-impairing effects of higher cognitive workload. Another key goal of the study is to provide astronauts with an objective way to identify performance changes and the need for countermeasures for fatigue from sleep restriction and high workload. To this end, the project will complete validation of the sensitivity of the 3-minute PVT Self Test to high workload and sleep restriction. PVT Self Test feedback interfaces will also be evaluated, and the task will be tested in analog operations to establish its technical feasibility (Specific Aim 2). Tertiary goals of the project include identification of biobehavioral predictors of differential vulnerability to the cognitive effects of sleep restriction and high workload (Specific Aim 3), and development of individualized biomathematical models that predict performance on the PVT Self Test during high workload (Specific Aim 4). The project has primary relevance to the strategic goals of the NSBRI Human Factors and Performance (HFP) Team. To date N=59 (of the N=80 total subjects to be tested) have completed the laboratory protocol; thus the project is 73.75% completed. Data acquisition will continue at this rate in the coming year to ensure the project ends with the required number of subjects needed to evaluate the effects of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction on performance.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The research builds on an extensive body of work we have conducted to help manage the cognitive performance of astronauts in space while they undergo high workload and sleep restriction. The acquisition of critically needed knowledge on how these factors potentiate fatigue effects on performance will help set standards and improve individualized mathematical models that predict countermeasure needs. The continued development of the PVT Self Test will offer a tool by which astronauts can autonomously assess their performance fitness and make decisions about countermeasures. These deliverables will also have utility in a broad range of Earth-based applications in which sleep restriction and workload have major adverse impacts on human performance (e.g., transportation modes, power plants, military operations).

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2011 
Task Progress: The project is on schedule in terms of recruitment and data collection in the study has occurred without incident. This year, N=19 healthy adults have completed the 11-day experimental protocol (for a total of 209 laboratory days). Thus, collectively across 3 years, N=59 healthy adults have completed the 11-day experimental protocol (for a total of 649 laboratory days). We expect to recruit another 20 subjects (for an additional 220 laboratory days) in the upcoming grant year. Throughout the 11-day experimental protocol, in which subjects are under continuous behavioral monitoring, we collect a large number of neurobehavioral and physiological tests to determine the effects of cognitive workload. These include the following: the 10-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) and the PVT Self Test, which assess vigilant attention; a modified version of the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), which lasts 30 minutes and assesses sleep propensity during waking; the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS); executive function tests that relate to prefrontal cortex functioning; cardiac measurements of heart rate and heart rate variability; polysomnography; power spectral analysis of non-REM slow-wave activity; waking EEG; and blood draws for biomarker identification.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 05/08/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Arroyo S, Goel N, Dinges DF. "Effects of cognitive workload and sleep restriction on the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test." 25th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC 2011, Minneapolis, MN, June 11-15, 2011.

Sleep 2011;34 Suppl:A102. http://www.journalsleep.org/Resources/Documents/2011abstractsupplement.pdf , May-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Basner M, Mollicone DJ, Dinges DF. "Validation of a Modified Brief Version of the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT)." 25th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC 2011, Minneapolis, MN, June 11-15, 2011.

Sleep 2011;34 Suppl:A110. http://www.journalsleep.org/Resources/Documents/2011abstractsupplement.pdf , May-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Braun ME, Goel N, Banks S, Muto J, Dinges DF. "Fatigue risks in space: neurobehavioral effects of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction." 18th International Academy of Astronautics Humans in Space Symposium, Houston, TX, April 11-15, 2011.

18th International Academy of Astronautics Humans in Space Symposium, Abstract Book, April 2011. http://www.dsls.usra.edu/meetings/iaa2011/pdf/2239.pdf , Apr-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Braun ME, Goel N, Jones C, Dinges DF. "Combined effects of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction on behavioral alertness." 25th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC 2011, Minneapolis, MN, June 11-15, 2011.

Sleep 2011;34 Suppl:A102. http://www.journalsleep.org/Resources/Documents/2011abstractsupplement.pdf , May-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Di Antonio AR, Goel N, Dinges DF. "Polysomnographic effects of cognitive workload on sleep." 25th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC 2011, Minneapolis, MN, June 11-15, 2011.

Sleep 2011;34 Suppl:A88. http://www.journalsleep.org/Resources/Documents/2011abstractsupplement.pdf , May-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Lin L, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "Circadian CLOCK T3111C polymorphism associated with individual differences in executive functioning, sleepiness and mood during sleep restriction." 25th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC 2011, Minneapolis, MN, June 11-15, 2011.

Sleep 2011;34 Suppl:A95-6. http://www.journalsleep.org/Resources/Documents/2011abstractsupplement.pdf , May-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Lin L, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "Preprohypocretin/prepro-orexin (HCRT) -909C/T polymorphism predicts individual differences in MWT latency, sleep physiology and homeostasis during baseline and sleep restriction." 25th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC 2011, Minneapolis, MN, June 11-15, 2011.

Sleep 2011;34 Suppl:A96. http://www.journalsleep.org/Resources/Documents/2011abstractsupplement.pdf , May-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Lin L, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "T3111C polymorphism of the circadian core gene, CLOCK, predicts interindividual differences in affect, sleepiness, fatigue and executive functioning during baseline and chronic partial sleep deprivation in healthy adults." 22nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms, Vienna, Austria, July 1-3, 2010.

22nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms, Abstract Book, July 2010. p. 30. , Jul-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "Predicting risk in space: genetic markers for differential vulnerability to sleep restriction." 18th International Academy of Astronautics Humans in Space Symposium, Houston, TX, April 11-15, 2011.

18th International Academy of Astronautics Humans in Space Symposium, Abstract Book, April 2011. http://www.dsls.usra.edu/meetings/iaa2011/pdf/2232.pdf , Apr-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N. "Behavioral and genetic markers of sleepiness." Finding a Research Path for the Identification of Biomarkers of Sleepiness Conference, Boston, MA, September 21-22, 2010.

Finding a Research Path for the Identification of Biomarkers of Sleepiness Conference, Abstract Book, September 2010. http://sleep.med.harvard.edu/what-we-do/biomarkers-conference/abstracts#Behavioral_and_Genetic_Markers_of_Sleepiness , Sep-2010

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Goel N. "Genetics of sleep timing, duration and homeostasis in humans." Sleep Medicine Clinics, 2011, in press as of April 2011. , Apr-2011
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Banks S, Van Dongen HP, Maislin G, Dinges DF. "Neurobehavioral dynamics following chronic sleep restriction: dose-response effects of one night for recovery." Sleep. 2010 Aug 1;33(8):1013-26. PubMed PMID: 20815182 , Aug-2010
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Basner M, Dinges DF. "Maximizing sensitivity of the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) to sleep loss." Sleep. 2011 May 1;34(5):581-91. PMID: 21532951 , May-2011
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Goel N, Banks S, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "DQB1*0602 predicts interindividual differences in physiologic sleep, sleepiness, and fatigue." Neurology. 2010 Oct 26;75(17):1509-19. PubMed PMID: 20975052 , Oct-2010
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Lim J, Dinges DF. "A meta-analysis of the impact of short-term sleep deprivation on cognitive variables." Psychol Bull. 2010 May;136(3):375-89. PMID: 20438143 , May-2010
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Mollicone DJ, Van Dongen HP, Rogers NL, Banks S, Dinges DF. "Time of day effects on neurobehavioral performance during chronic sleep restriction." Aviat Space Environ Med. 2010 Aug;81(8):735-44. PMID: 20681233 , Aug-2010
Awards Dinges DF. "David F. Dinges: Induction into the International Academy of Astronautics, April 2011." Apr-2011
Books/Book Chapters Dinges DF. "Research on human sleep: Need to inform public policies." in "Shaping health policy through nursing research." Ed. A.S. Hinshaw, P.A.Grady. New York, NY : Springer, c2011. p. 185-200., Jan-2011
Books/Book Chapters Goel N, Dinges DF. "Sleep deprivation: biomarkers for identifying and predicting individual differences in response to sleep loss." in "Sleepiness: Causes, Disorders, Consequences and Treatment." Ed. M.J. Thorpy, M. Billiard. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2011. p. 101-110., Mar-2011
Books/Book Chapters Gunzelmann G, Moore LR, Gluck KA, Van Dongen HPA, Dinges DF. "Fatigue in sustained attention: generalizing mechanisms for time awake to time on task." in "Cognitive fatigue: multidisciplinary perspectives on current research and future applications." Ed. P.L. Ackerman. Washington, DC : American Psychological Association, 2011. p. 83-101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/12343-004 , Jan-2011
Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Countermeasures for Performance Deficits from Sleep Loss and Workload in Space Flight Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2010 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
 Start Date: 06/01/2008  
End Date: 05/31/2012  
Task Last Updated: 05/21/2010 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Dinges, David F. Ph.D. / University of Pennsylvania 
Address:  Department of Psychiatry 
423 Service Dr., 1013 Blockley Hall 
Philadelphia , PA 19104-4209 		 Email: dinges@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 
Phone: 215-898-9949  
Congressional District: 2 
Web:  
 Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Pennsylvania 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Banks, Siobhan  University of Pennsylvania Health System 
Goel, Namni  University of Pennsylvania 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Responsible Center: NSBRI 
Grant Monitor:  
Center Contact:   
Unique ID: 7046  		Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Crew Health NNJ07ZSA002N 
Grant/Contract No.: NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 0 
No. of PhD Candidates: 0 
No. of Master's Candidates: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 49  		No. of PhD Degrees: 0 
No. of Master's Degrees: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Degrees: 14 
Human Research Program Elements: (1) BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
(2) Sleep:Risk of Performance Decrements and Adverse Health Outcomes Resulting from Sleep Loss, Circadian Desynchronization, and Work Overload
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Identify and characterize key C/P/Psy/N outcome measures (biomarkers) and domains of relevance that are at risk due to spaceflight environmental stressors in exploration class missions and determine validated thresholds for identified biomarkers of adverse C/P/Psy/N outcomes to enable mission objectives and identify indicators of risk before progression to clinical levels of impairment.
(2) Sleep-102:We need to identify and develop an integrated, individualized suite of scheduling tools that predict the effects of sleep-wake cycles and light on performance, with validated countermeasures and on-board systems to monitor, prevent and/or treat chronic partial sleep loss, work overload, and/or circadian shifting in spaceflight.
Task Description: In order to be able to carry out mission-critical tasks at any time during a mission, astronauts must maintain a high level of performance in the face of demanding workloads and work-rest schedules that result in chronic sleep restriction. The proposed research will use a laboratory-based study to acquire critically-needed information on the effects on performance of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction (Specific Aim 1). We will test the hypothesis that as sleep restriction accumulates, it will potentiate the performance-impairing effects of higher cognitive workload. Another key goal of the study is to provide astronauts with an objective way to identify performance changes and the need for countermeasures for fatigue from sleep restriction and high workload. To this end, the project will complete validation of the sensitivity of the 3-minute PVT SelfTest to high workload and sleep restriction. PVT SelfTest feedback interfaces will also be evaluated, and the task will be tested in analog operations to establish its technical feasibility (Specific Aim 2). Tertiary goals of the project include identification of biobehavioral predictors of differential vulnerability to the cognitive effects of sleep restriction and high workload (Specific Aim 3), and development of individualized biomathematical models that predict performance on the PVT SelfTest during high workload (Specific Aim 4). The project has primary relevance to the strategic goals of the NSBRI Human Factors and Performance (HFP) Team. To date N=40 (of the N=80 total subjects to be tested) have completed the laboratory protocol; thus the project is 50% completed. Data acquisition will continue at this rate in the coming year to ensure the project ends with the required number of subjects needed to evaluate the effects of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction on performance.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The research builds on an extensive body of work we have conducted to help manage the cognitive performance of astronauts in space while they undergo high workload and sleep restriction. The acquisition of critically needed knowledge on how these factors potentiate fatigue effects on performance will help set standards and improve individualized mathematical models that predict countermeasure needs. The continued development of the PVT SelfTest will offer a tool by which astronauts can autonomously assess their performance fitness and make decisions about countermeasures. These deliverables will also have utility in a broad range of Earth-based applications in which sleep restriction and workload have major adverse impacts on human performance (e.g., transportation modes, power plants, military operations).

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2010 
Task Progress: The project is on schedule in terms of recruitment and data collection in the study has occurred without incident. This year, N=20 healthy adults have completed the 11-day experimental protocol (for a total of 220 laboratory days). Thus, collectively across 2 years, N=40 healthy adults have completed the 11-day experimental protocol (for a total of 440 laboratory days). We expect to recruit another 20 subjects (for an additional 220 laboratory days) in the upcoming grant year.

Throughout the 11-day experimental protocol, in which subjects are under continuous behavioral monitoring, we collect a large number of neurobehavioral and physiological tests to determine the effects of cognitive workload. These include the following: the 10-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) and the PVT Self Test, which assess vigilant attention; a modified version of the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), which lasts 30 minutes and assesses sleep propensity during waking; the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), a Likert-type scale that assesses subjective sleepiness; executive function tests that relate to prefrontal cortex functioning; cardiac measurements of heart rate and heart rate variability; polysomnography; power spectral analysis of non-REM slow-wave activity; waking EEG; and blood draws for biomarker identification.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 05/08/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Arroyo S, Banks S, Dinges DF. "The effects of sustained sleep restriction on subjective sleepiness before and after cognitive work." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, WA, June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Banks S, Jones CW, Simpson N, Dinges DF. "Sustained sleep restriction in healthy adults with ad libitum access to food results in weight gain without increased appetite or food cravings." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Banks S, Van Dongen H, Dinges DF. "One night of recovery from sustained sleep restriction: A dose-response study of neurobehavioral functions." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, WA, June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Basner M, Dinges DF. "The time of our lives: Work, sleep and television." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Di Antonio AR, Goel N, Banks S, Basner M, Dinges DF. "The effects of cognitive workload during sleep restriction on polysomnographic measures." 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, San Antonio, Tex., June 5-9, 2010.

24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2010. , Jun-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Dinges DF. "Digit span performance in relation to executive function responses to sustained sleep restriction." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "DQB1*0602 allele predicts interindividual differences in physiological sleep structure, sleepiness and fatigue during baseline and chronic partial sleep deprivation." 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, San Antonio, Tex., June 5-9, 2010.

24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2010. , Jun-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "PER3 polymorphism is associated with sleep homeostatic response to sustained sleep restriction but not to neurobehavioral responses." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "Role of the circadian gene, PER3, in sleep homeostatic and neurobehavioral responses to chronic partial sleep deprivation." Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms, Berlin, Germany, June 2009.

Society for Light Treatment and Biology, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Goel N, Banks S, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "The COMT Val158Met polymorphism predicts interindividual differences in sleep homeostatic responses to chronic partial sleep deprivation." 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, San Antonio, Tex., June 5-9, 2010.

24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2010. , Jun-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Htaik O, Minkel J, Banks S, Dinges DF. "Does PVT performance reflect IQ?" 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Hyder E, Banks S, Avinash D, Dinges DF. "NREM slow wave energy increases when sleep is restricted to 4 hours for 5 nights." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Jones CW, Goel N, Banks S, Basner M, Dinges DF. "The effects of cognitive workload during sleep restriction on the 10-minute PVT." 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, San Antonio, Tex., June 5-9, 2010.

24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2010. , Jun-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Lim J, Tan J, Tnag G, Dinges DF, Chee M. "The effects of 24 hours of sleep deprivation on endogenous and exogenous attentional networks." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings McCauley P, Kalachev LV, Belenky G, Dinges DF, Van Dongen H. "Cognitive performance predictions from a new biomathematical model of sleep/wake homeostasis." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings McGinley ST, Goel N, Banks S, Basner M, Dinges DF. "The effects of cognitive workload during sleep restriction on subjective sleepiness and fatigue." 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, San Antonio, Tex., June 5-9, 2010.

24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2010. , Jun-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Mollicone DJ, Dinges DF, Van Dongen H. "The role of NON-REM sleep stages 1 and 2 in neurobehavioral response to sustained sleep restriction." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Moreta MC, Goel N, Banks S, Basner M, Dinges DF. "The effects of cognitive workload during sleep restriction on executive function measures." 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, San Antonio, Tex., June 5-9, 2010.

24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2010. , Apr-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Moreta MC, Goel N, Banks S, Dinges DF. "Executive function measures in relation to phenotypic PVT performance responses to sustained sleep restriction." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Muto J, Banks S, Goel N, Basner M, Dinges DF. "The effects of cognitive workload and sleep restriction on the maintenance of wakefulness test." 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, San Antonio, Tex., June 5-9, 2010.

24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2010. , Jun-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Muto J, Dinges DF, Banks S. "Recovery of sleepiness and fatigue following sustained sleep restriction." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Simpson NS, Banks S, Dinges DF. "Effects of sleep restriction on morning adiponectin levels in healthy adults." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Tompkins LA, Dinges DF, Van Dongen H. "Independent dimensions of trait individual differences in sleep architecture." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Wright KP, Dinges DF, Roth T, Walsh JK, Czeisler CA. "Circadian phase in patients with shift-work disorder (SWD): Influence on nighttime sleepiness, performance and daytime sleep." 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Seattle, Wash., June 6-11, 2009.

23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, Abstract Book, June 2009. , Jun-2009

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Basner M, Dinges DF. "Dubious bargain: trading sleep for Leno and Letterman." Sleep. 2009 Jun 1;32(6):747-52. PubMed PMID: 19544750 , Jun-2009
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Goel N, Banks S, Mignot E, Dinges DF. "PER3 polymorphism predicts cumulative sleep homeostatic but not neurobehavioral changes to chronic partial sleep deprivation." PLoS One. 2009 Jun 11;4(6):e5874. PMID: 19516903 , Jun-2009
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Goel N, Rao H, Durmer JS, Dinges DF. "Neurocognitive consequences of sleep deprivation." Semin Neurol. 2009 Sep;29(4):320-39. PMID: 19742409 , Sep-2009
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Lim J, Dinges DF. "A meta-analysis of the impact of short-term sleep deprivation on cognitive variables." American Psychologist. In press, January 2010. , Jan-2010
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Lim J, Tan JC, Parimal S, Dinges DF, Chee MW. "Sleep deprivation impairs object-selective attention: a view from the ventral visual cortex." PLoS One. 2010 Feb 5;5(2):e9087. PMID: 20140099 , Feb-2010
Awards Dinges DF. "Mary A. Carskadon Outstanding Educator Award, Sleep Research Society, June 2009." Jun-2009
Awards Banks S. "Young Investigator Award, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, March 2010." Mar-2010
Books/Book Chapters Ballas CA, Evans DL, Dinges DF. "Psychostimulants and wakefulness-promoting agents." in "The American Psychiatric Publishing textbook of psychopharmacology. 4th edition." Ed. A. F. Schatzberg , C. B. Nemeroff. Washington, D.C. : American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., 2009, p. 843-860., May-2009
Books/Book Chapters Banks S, Dinges DF. "Chronic sleep deprivation." in "Principles and practice of sleep medicine. 5th edition." Ed. M.H. Kryger, T. Roth, W.C. Dement. Philadelphia, PA : Saunders/Elsevier, c2010. p. 67-75., Mar-2010
Books/Book Chapters Dinges DF, Banks S. "Sleep deprivation: Cognitive performance." in "Basics of sleep guide. 2nd edition." Ed. C.J Amlaner, P.M. Fuller. Westchester, IL : Sleep Research Society, 2009. p.257-264., Oct-2009
Books/Book Chapters Dinges DF, Goel N. "Identification and prediction of substantial differential vulnerability to the neurobehavioral effects of sleep loss." in "Neurocognitive and physiological factors during high-tempo operations." Ed. S. Kornguth, R. Steinberg, M.D. Matthews. Farnham, Surrey, England ; Burlington, VT : Ashgate, 2010. p. 93-104., May-2010
Books/Book Chapters Dinges DF. "Research on human sleep need to inform public policies." in "Shaping Health Policy Through Nursing Research." Ed. A.S. Hinshaw, P.A. Grady. New York : Springer Publishing Co., in press, 2010. (expected publication August 2010), May-2010
Books/Book Chapters Goel N, Dinges DF. "Sleep deprivation: Biomarkers for identifying and predicting individual differences in response to sleep loss." in "Sleepiness: causes, disorders, consequences and treatment." Ed. M. Thorpy, M. Billiard. Cambridge, UK : Cambridge University Press, in press 2010. (expected publication December 2010), May-2010
Books/Book Chapters Goel N, Van Dongen HPA, Dinges DF. "Circadian rhythm in sleepiness, alertness and performance." in "Principles and practice of sleep medicine. 5th edition." Ed. M.H. Kryger, T. Roth, W.C. Dement. Philadelphia, PA : Saunders/Elsevier, c2010. p. 445-455., Mar-2010
Books/Book Chapters Gunzelmann G, Moore LR, Gluck KA, Van Dongen HP, Dinges DF. "Fatigue in sustained attention: Generalizing mechanisms for time awake to time on task." in "Cognitive Fatigue: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Current Research and Future Applications." Ed. P.L. Ackerman. Washington, DC : American Psychological Association, in press, 2010. (expected publication August 2010), May-2010
Books/Book Chapters Mallis MM, Banks S, Dinges DF. "Aircrew fatigue, sleep need, and circadian rhythmicity." in "Human factors in aviation. 2nd ed." Ed. E. Salas, D. Maurino. Amsterdam : Elsevier, 2010. p. 401-436., Feb-2010
Books/Book Chapters Walsh JK, Dement WC, Dinges DF. "Sleep medicine, public policy and public health." in "Principles and practice of sleep medicine. 5th edition." Ed. M.H. Kryger, T. Roth, W.D. Dement. Philadelphia, PA : Saunders/Elsevier, c2010., Mar-2010
Dissertations and Theses Lim J. "Attention in the brain under conditions of sub-optimal alertness: neurobehavioral effects and individual differences." Dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, April, 2010. , Apr-2010
Dissertations and Theses Simpson NS. "Effects of partial sleep restriction on biological markers of cardiovascular risk: evidence for differential vulnerability within a healthy population." Dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, April, 2009. , Apr-2009
Journal/Magazine covers Clemmitt M. "Cover in journal CQ Researcher for article, 'Sleep deprivation: Are chronically tired people at greater health risk?'" CQ Researcher. 2010 Feb 12;20(6):121-44. , Feb-2010
Journal/Magazine covers Hesman Saey T. "Cover in journal Science News for article, 'Dying to sleep.' This was awarded the Endocrine Society Award for Excellence in Science and Medical Journalism." Science News. 2009 Oct 24;176(9):28-32. , Oct-2009
Papers from Meeting Proceedings Gunzelmann G, Moore LR, Gluck KA, Van Dongen HP, Dinges DF. "Examining sources of individual variation in sustained attention." Thirty-First Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, July 29-August 1, 2009.

Thirty-First Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society 2009, Proceedings. Austin, Tex. : Cognitive Science Society, p. 608-613, 2009. http://csjarchive.cogsci.rpi.edu/Proceedings/2009/papers/108/paper108.pdf , Sep-2009

Significant Media Coverage Hesman Saey T. "Article, 'Dying to sleep,' featured interviews with Dr. Dinges and description of research being performed in the Dinges lab." Science News. 2009 Oct 24;176(9):28-32. http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/48146/title/Dying_to_Sleep , Oct-2009
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Project Title:  Countermeasures for Performance Deficits from Sleep Loss and Workload in Space Flight Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2009 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
 Start Date: 06/01/2008  
End Date: 05/31/2012  
Task Last Updated: 06/05/2009 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Dinges, David F. Ph.D. / University of Pennsylvania 
Address:  Department of Psychiatry 
423 Service Dr., 1013 Blockley Hall 
Philadelphia , PA 19104-4209 		 Email: dinges@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 
Phone: 215-898-9949  
Congressional District: 2 
Web:  
 Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Pennsylvania 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Banks, Siobhan  University of Pennsylvania Health System 
Goel, Namni  University of Pennsylvania 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Responsible Center: NSBRI 
Grant Monitor:  
Center Contact:   
Unique ID: 7046  		Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Crew Health NNJ07ZSA002N 
Grant/Contract No.: NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs: 0 
No. of PhD Candidates: 1 
No. of Master's Candidates: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 12  		No. of PhD Degrees: 0 
No. of Master's Degrees: 0 
No. of Bachelor's Degrees: 9 
Human Research Program Elements: (1) BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
(2) Sleep:Risk of Performance Decrements and Adverse Health Outcomes Resulting from Sleep Loss, Circadian Desynchronization, and Work Overload
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Identify and characterize key C/P/Psy/N outcome measures (biomarkers) and domains of relevance that are at risk due to spaceflight environmental stressors in exploration class missions and determine validated thresholds for identified biomarkers of adverse C/P/Psy/N outcomes to enable mission objectives and identify indicators of risk before progression to clinical levels of impairment.
(2) Sleep-102:We need to identify and develop an integrated, individualized suite of scheduling tools that predict the effects of sleep-wake cycles and light on performance, with validated countermeasures and on-board systems to monitor, prevent and/or treat chronic partial sleep loss, work overload, and/or circadian shifting in spaceflight.
Task Description: In order to be able to carry out mission-critical tasks at any time during a mission, astronauts must maintain a high level of performance in the face of demanding workloads and work-rest schedules that result in chronic sleep restriction. The proposed research will use a laboratory-based study to acquire critically-needed information on the effects on performance of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction (Specific Aim 1). We will test the hypothesis that as sleep restriction accumulates, it will potentiate the performance-impairing effects of higher cognitive workload. Another key goal of the study is to provide astronauts with an objective way to identify performance changes and the need for countermeasures for fatigue from sleep restriction and high workload. To this end, the project will complete validation of the sensitivity of the 3-minute PVT SelfTest to high workload and sleep restriction. PVT SelfTest feedback interfaces will also be evaluated, and the task will be tested in analog operations to establish its technical feasibility (Specific Aim 2). Tertiary goals of the project include identification of biobehavioral predictors of differential vulnerability to the cognitive effects of sleep restriction and high workload (Specific Aim 3), and development of individualized biomathematical models that predict performance on the PVT SelfTest during high workload (Specific Aim 4). The project has primary relevance to strategic goals of the NSBRI Human Performance Factors, Sleep and Chronobiology (HPFSC) Team. It addresses a high priority gap identified by the NASA SAT, BHP, and NSBRI HPFSC area, and specifically targets questions 27e,d,f,g in Bioastronautics Roadmap Risk Area 27 (Human Performance Failure Due to Sleep Loss and Circadian Rhythm Problems), questions 26f,g,c,h in Risk Area 26 (Mismatch between Crew Cognitive Capabilities and Task Demands), and question 25d in Risk Area 25 (Human Performance Failure Due to Neurobehavioral Problems). To date N=20 (of the N=80 subjects needed) have completed the laboratory protocol. Data acquisition will continue at this rate in the coming year to ensure the projects end with the required number of subjects needed to evaluate the effects on performance of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction. Data are also being recorded on subjects in the 105-day Russian Chamber Study.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: The research builds on an extensive body of work we have conducted to help manage the cognitive performance of astronauts in space while they undergo high workload and sleep restriction. The acquisition of critically needed knowledge on how these factors potentiate fatigue effects on performance will help set standards and improve individualized mathematical models that predict countermeasure needs. The continued development of the PVT SelfTest will offer a tool by which astronauts can autonomously assess their performance fitness and make decisions about countermeasures. These deliverables will also have utility in a broad range of Earth-based applications in which sleep restriction and workload have major adverse impacts on human performance (e.g., transportation modes, power plants, military operations).

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2009 
Task Progress: The project is on schedule and the study is progressing well. N=20 healthy adults have completed the 11-day experimental protocol (for a total of 220 laboratory days) and we expect to recruit another 20 subject in the coming grant year. The PVT SelfTest is being deployed on ISS for astronaut data acquisition on its feedback utility.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 05/08/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Chee MW, Tan JC, Zheng H, Parimal S, Weissman DH, Zagorodnov V, Dinges DF. "Lapsing during sleep deprivation is associated with distributed changes in brain activation." J Neurosci. 2008 May 21;28(21):5519-28. PMID: 18495886 , May-2008
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals McCauley P, Kalachev LV, Smith AD, Belenky G, Dinges DF, Van Dongen HP. "A new mathematical model for the homeostatic effects of sleep loss on neurobehavioral performance." J Theor Biol. 2009 Jan 21;256(2):227-39. PMID: 18938181 , Jan-2009
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Mollicone DJ, Van Dongen HP, Rogers NL, Dinges DF. "Response surface mapping of neurobehavioral performance: testing the feasibility of split sleep schedules for space operations." Acta Astronautica. 2008 Oct-Nov;63(7-10):833-40. PMID: 19194521 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2007.12.005 , Oct-2008
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Basner M, Dinges DF. "Dubious bargain: Trading sleep for Leno and Letterman." Sleep. In press, 2009. , Jun-2009
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Lim J, Dinges DF. "Sleep deprivation and vigilant attention." Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008;1129:305-22. PMID: 18591490 , Oct-2008
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Rogers NL, Dinges DF. "Interactions of chronic sleep restriction and circadian system in humans." J Sleep Res 2008 Dec;17(4):406-11. PMID: 19090952 , Dec-2008
Awards Dinges DF. "Raymond F. Longacre Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in the Psychological and Psychiatric Aspects of Aerospace Medicine, Aerospace Medical Association, Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, USA, May, 2009." May-2009
Books/Book Chapters Dinges DF, Rogers NL. "The future of human intelligence: Enhancing cognitive capability in a 24/7 world." in "Extending Intelligence: Enhancement and New Constructs." Ed. P.C. Kyllonen, R.D. Roberts, L. Stankov. New York : Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2008, p. 407-430., May-2008
Books/Book Chapters Ballas CA, Evans DL, Dinges DF. "Psychostimulants and wakefulness-promoting agents." in "Textbook of Psychopharmacology. 4th ed." Ed. A. F. Schatzberg, C. B. Nemeroff. Washington, D.C. : American Psychiatric Pub., 2009., May-2009
Books/Book Chapters Ballas C, Dinges DF. "Stimulant and wake-promoting substances." in "Encyclopedia of Neuroscience." Ed. L. R. Squire. Boston, MA : Elsevier, 2009. p. 419-424. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-008045046-9.00051-6 , Jan-2009
Books/Book Chapters Minkel JD, Dinges DF. "Circadian Rhythms in Sleepiness, Alertness, and Performance." in "Encyclopedia of Neuroscience." Ed. L. R. Squire. Boston, MA : Elsevier, 2009. p. 965-970. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-008045046-9.01622-3 , Jan-2009
Books/Book Chapters Minkel JD, Banks S, Dinges DF. "Sleep Deprivation: Neurobehavioral Changes." in "Encyclopedia of Neuroscience." Ed. L. R. Squire. Boston, MA : Elsevier, 2009. p. 997-1004. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-008045046-9.00073-5 , Jan-2009
Back to Search Results    
Project Title:  Countermeasures for Performance Deficits from Sleep Loss and Workload in Space Flight Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2008 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
 Start Date: 06/01/2008  
End Date: 05/31/2012  
Task Last Updated: 06/02/2008 		 Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Dinges, David F. Ph.D. / University of Pennsylvania 
Address:  Department of Psychiatry 
423 Service Dr., 1013 Blockley Hall 
Philadelphia , PA 19104-4209 		 Email: dinges@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 
Phone: 215-898-9949  
Congressional District: 2 
Web:  
 Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Pennsylvania 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Goel, Namni  University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 
Banks, Siobhan  University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Responsible Center: NSBRI 
Grant Monitor:  
Center Contact:   
Unique ID: 7046  		Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Crew Health NNJ07ZSA002N 
Grant/Contract No.: NCC 9-58-HFP01602 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No  		No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:   		No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) BHP:Behavioral Health & Performance (archival in 2017)
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
(2) Sleep:Risk of Performance Decrements and Adverse Health Outcomes Resulting from Sleep Loss, Circadian Desynchronization, and Work Overload
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Identify and characterize key C/P/Psy/N outcome measures (biomarkers) and domains of relevance that are at risk due to spaceflight environmental stressors in exploration class missions and determine validated thresholds for identified biomarkers of adverse C/P/Psy/N outcomes to enable mission objectives and identify indicators of risk before progression to clinical levels of impairment.
(2) Sleep-102:We need to identify and develop an integrated, individualized suite of scheduling tools that predict the effects of sleep-wake cycles and light on performance, with validated countermeasures and on-board systems to monitor, prevent and/or treat chronic partial sleep loss, work overload, and/or circadian shifting in spaceflight.
Task Description: To be able to carry out mission-critical tasks at any time during a mission, astronauts must maintain a high level of performance in the face of demanding workloads and work-rest schedules that result in chronic sleep restriction.

This project will use a laboratory-based study to acquire critically-needed information on the effects on performance of high cognitive workload and sleep restriction (Specific Aim 1). We will test the hypothesis that as sleep restriction accumulates, it will potentiate the performance-impairing effects of higher cognitive workload.

Another key goal of the study is to provide astronauts with an objective way to identify performance changes and the need for countermeasures for fatigue from sleep restriction and high workload. To this end, the project will complete validation of the sensitivity of the three-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) SelfTest to high workload and sleep restriction. PVT SelfTest feedback interfaces will also be evaluated, and the task will be tested in analog operations (e.g., NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations - NEEMO) to establish its technical feasibility (Specific Aim 2).

Tertiary goals of the project include identification of biobehavioral predictors of differential vulnerability to the cognitive effects of sleep restriction and high workload (Specific Aim 3), and development of individualized biomathematical models that predict performance on the PVT SelfTest during high workload (Specific Aim 4).

The project has primary relevance to strategic goals of the NSBRI Human Factors and Performance Team. It addresses a high-priority gap identified by NASAs Small Assessment Team and Behavioral Health and Performance Program Element, and NSBRI Human Factors and Performance area. The project specifically targets questions 27 e, d, f, and g in the Bioastronautics Roadmap Risk 27 (Human Performance Failure Due to Sleep Loss and Circadian Rhythm Problems), questions 26 f, g, c, and h in Risk 26 (Mismatch between Crew Cognitive Capabilities and Task Demands), and question 25 d in Risk 25 (Human Performance Failure Due to Neurobehavioral Problems).

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2008 
Task Progress: New project for FY2008.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 05/08/2025) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2008
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