The effects of 43 hours of sleep deprivation on executive control functions: Event-related potentials in a visual Go/No go task

The aim of this study was to investigate how 43 hours of total sleep deprivation (TSD) influences executive control functions. Forty participants were assigned to either a TSD or a control group (no sleep deprivation; NSD group) and both groups were tested at 2:00am on day 3 (after 43 hours of sleep deprivation for the TSD group). Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were taken using 32 electrodes while a Go/No go task was administered. The amplitude of the N2 was significantly larger on the No-go trials as compared to the Go trials. In the No-go trials, the amplitudes of the No go-N2 and the No go-P3 were smaller in the TSD group than in the control group in terms of prolonged latencies. The mean correct reaction time, number of misses, and the false-alarm rate were also significantly longer and increased in the NSD group. Results indicated that executive control functions were noticeable impaired after 43 hours of sleep deprivation.