The interactive effects of extended wakefulness and low-dose alcohol on simulated driving and vigilance

Abstract

Objectives: Sleep deprivation and alcohol both impair driving performance. This study assessed the interactive effect of low-dose alcohol and extended wakefulness. Design: Repeated-measures, crossover design evaluating psychomotor and driving function in a non-sleep-deprived state and after extended wakefulness with and without low-dose alcohol. Setting: Teaching hospital sleep laboratory. Participants: Nineteen volunteer professional drivers Intervention & Measurements: Driving simulation (AusEd™) and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) were measured in a rested state (12-15 hours awake) and after extended wakefulness (18-21 hours awake) during two sessions. Alcohol was administered during..