Effect of Sleep Restriction on Somatosensory Sensitivity in the Orofacial Area: an experimental controlled study

Abstract

Background

No studies have addressed the effect of SR on somatosensory function in the orofacial area.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sleep restriction (SR) on the somatosensory perception of the tip of the tongue.

Materials And Methods

Using a crossover study design, 13 healthy participants took part, in a random order, to a two arms experiments; the SR and control/no SR arms. For all participants, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to assess sleepiness and mechanical sensitivity and pain detection threshold was estimated at the tongue tip and right thumb (as a body area control site). In the SR arm of the study, on day one we estimated sensory baseline perception and repeated tests on day two, after a night of voluntary SR, and on day 3, after a recovery night. In the second arm, same sensory tests were done but no SR was requested.

Results

Significantly more sleepiness was observed after SR in comparison to baseline and recovery testing days (P < 0.05). After SR, mechanical pain threshold on the tip of the tongue was significantly lower on day after SR (day 2) and a rebound, higher values, were observed on the third day (P < 0.05); no difference on thumb site. In the control arm, no SR, no significant differences between days were observed for all the variables of interest.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that SR may affect somatosensory perception in the orofacial area.

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