Physical Exertion Partially Mitigates Task-Switching Deficits From Sleep Loss

Objective The aim of the study is to investigate effects of physical exertion on cognitive deficits from sleep loss under conditions that mimic a firefighting scenario. Methods Twenty-four male participants completed a crossover study design with 3 conditions: total sleep deprivation, sleep disruption (three 60-minute awakenings), and rested control. Participants then completed 50 minutes of a physical exertion task involving treadmill exercise in a heated room while wearing firefighter protective clothing. Vigilant attention and task-switching performance were assessed pre– and post–sleep manipulation and pre– and post–physical exertion. Vigilant attention was also assessed mid–physical exertion. Results Total sleep deprivation and sleep disruption increased attentional lapses and task-switching RT. Total sleep deprivation additionally reduced task-switching accuracy. Performance after physical exertion improved only for task-switching RT after total sleep deprivation. Conclusions Physical exertion selectively mitigated task-switching RT deficits from the most severe sleep loss condition, total sleep deprivation.