| Abstract: | Normal, healthy adult males participated in a sleep deprivation study during which periodic assessments of mood, alertness, cognitive performance, and vital signs were made. After 48 hours of continuous wakefulness, placebo or d-amphetamine (5, 10, 20 mg) was administered orally in a double-blind fashion. Assessments continued for an additional 14 hours at which time the subjects were allowed to sleep. A significant difference in total sleep time was observed with the highest amphetamine group (20 mg) averaging 7·0 hours vs. 8·1 hours for the placebo group. The decrease in total sleep time was due largely to a significant decrease in REM time. The number of REM episodes was not affected by drug. Latency to the first REM episode was decreased by the 5 and 10 mg dose but unchanged by the 20 mg dose of amphetamine. Amphetamine's significant effects on total sleep time and other parameters more than 15 hours after administration indicate a prolonged drug effect. |
