Effects of sleep deprivation and acceleration on mental performance

Combined Effects of Acute Sleep Restriction and Moderate Acceleration (+Gz) on Physiological and Behavioral Responses to High Mental Workload

Direction Centrale du Service de Santé des Armées · NCT06017882

This study tests how lack of sleep and being in high-speed situations affect the thinking and performance of fighter pilots.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment28 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorDirection Centrale du Service de Santé des Armées (other)
Locations1 site (Brétigny-sur-Orge)
Trial IDNCT06017882 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how acute sleep restriction and moderate acceleration impact the physiological and behavioral responses of individuals under high mental workload, particularly in the context of fighter pilots. It aims to understand the effects of prolonged accelerations on cognitive performance, especially when combined with sleep debt. The study hypothesizes that sleep deprivation may exacerbate cognitive impairments during these acceleration phases, potentially affecting flight safety and mission effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals, both male and female, who engage in regular physical activity and have no significant medical history.

Not a fit: Patients with active medical conditions, significant sleep disorders, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the safety and performance of pilots by informing guidelines on sleep and workload management.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of sleep deprivation and acceleration effects on cognitive performance is less explored, related studies in aerospace medicine have shown significant impacts of sleep and workload on performance.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy subject (male or female);
* Tobacco consumption \< 5 cigarettes per day or nicotine-free vapour;
* Regular physical activity (between 1 and 8 hours per week);
* Affiliated or entitled to a social security scheme;
* Having given their consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presenting an active medical pathology or a history \<6 months (cardiological, renal, hepatic, cutaneous, neurological, psychiatric...), or a significant deviation from normal values observed during questioning, clinical examination or electrocardiogram (ECG);
* BMI \> 30 (cardiovascular risk factor);
* Have a medical contraindication to sporting activities;
* Taking a medical treatment;
* Habitual sleep duration \< 6 hours;
* Presenting a sleep disorder confirmed by questionnaire (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire \> 5);
* Pregnant or breastfeeding
* Not covered by a health insurance plan;

Where this trial is running

Brétigny-sur-Orge

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sleep Deprivation, acceleration, mental workload, aerospace medicine

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.