Blink Rate: A Possible Measure of Fatigue

The literature on blink rate as a measure of fatigue is reviewed. The evidence of increases in blink rate as a function of time on task is compelling. However, variables other than time on task also affect blink rate. These variables range from perceptual demandingness of the task to cognitive variables. Other aspects of blinking, such as flurries of blinks, timing with respect to information-processing demands, and blink closure duration, are reviewed as additional variables sensitive to task demands and fatigue effects.