Abstract
Introduction
Sleep deprivation impacts overall decision-making, though the impact on specific components of decision-making are less well studied, especially outside of total sleep deprivation. Here, we examine the effects of sleep restriction on the ability to integrate multiple pieces of information into a decision.
Methods
Healthy adults (n=41; age=27.9±6.0 years, 20F) lived in the sleep lab for 2 counterbalanced conditions: well-rested (WR: 9-hour sleep opportunity for 4 nights) and sleep restriction (SR: one 9-hour night, followed by three 3-hour nights). Following the last night of each condition, participants performed the decision task. Across 48 trials, participants first saw two containers, with different numbers of black and white balls. Eight balls were randomly drawn, with replacement, from one unknown container. Participants decided which container was used, based on the “odds” each container was used and draw results (“evidence”). Mathematical modelling determined the amount of weight given to odds/evidence. The “best” decisions integrate both pieces of information.
Results
When WR, participants utilised both pieces of information to make their decisions, though odds were given slightly more weight. During SR, the amount of weight given to the odds did not change, and the weight given to the evidence decreased significantly.
Conclusion
SR impaired the ability to integrate multiple pieces of information into a decision. Instead, participants focused on a single piece of easy-to-understand information and did not fully utilise a harder-to-understand piece of information. This has implications for complex applied environments where individuals have large amounts of information with which to make decisions.
Development of a Critical Skills Assessment for Military Medical Field Settings
