Studies of Fatigue and Human Performance in Patients with Sleep Disorders

Clinically, fatigue can be attributed to a myriad of conditions. While multiple medical conditions (e.g., hypothyroidism, anemia, depression, cancer, HIV, etc.) are known to cause fatigue, this chapter will focus on sleep disorders that may cause fatigue and sleepiness by disrupting sleep and how disrupted sleep can impact performance. We will first discuss general information regarding sleep regulation and what changes may be seen in sleep physiology with a poor night’s sleep. Then, studies of the effects of sleep deprivation on normal volunteers will be discussed, followed by performance studies in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and narcolepsy.