Explanation for the choice of comparators {6b}
crash, sleep deficit, sleep loss
Two sleep deficit interventions (sleep deprivation and sleep restriction) were designed to simulate highly prevalent real-life sleep scenarios. Whereas all-night sleep deprivation mimics a night shift work or going out, the sleep restriction regime mimes a typical workweek schedule with an equal total sleep loss than all-night sleep deprivation. Cumulative effects of sleep restriction leading to performance impairment and increased crash risk have been described beforeWhile a constant routine protocol (e.g., permanent dim light conditions, strictly controlled body posture) is necessary to avoid masking in circadian studies, a slightly reduced level of control is deemed sufficient in the present study focused on sleep–wake rather than circadian perturbation.