Sleep Debt Accumulates: Dose-Response Effects of Extended Wakefulness on Brain Function
How Does Extended Wakefulness Progressively Impair Brain Function?
Extended wakefulness produces dose-dependent declines in neurobehavioral performance, with research demonstrating that cognitive function deteriorates progressively as hours awake increase beyond normal limits. The relationship follows a predictable pattern: performance declines accelerate after 16 hours of wakefulness, with substantial impairments appearing after 18-20 hours awake, and severe deficits emerging after 24+ hours. This dose-response relationship reveals that sleep debt accumulates systematically, with each additional hour of wakefulness adding measurable cognitive costs.