Abstract |
Self-monitoring refers to the ability to assess accurately one's own performance in a specific environment. The present study investigated the effects of the stimulating drugs modafinil (300 mg) and d-amphetamine (20 mg) on the ability to self-monitor cognitive performance during 64 h of sleep deprivation (SD) and sustained mental work. Two cognitive tasks were investigated: a visual (perceptual) judgement task and a complex mental addition task. Subjects in the placebo condition displayed marked circadian and SD effects on cognitive task performance but their self-monitoring was substantively undisturbed by SD. Subjects performing under the influence of d-amphetamine likewise displayed highly proficient self-monitoring throughout the SD period. In contrast, modafinil had a disruptive effect on self-monitoring, inducing a reliable 'overconfidence' effect (i.e. an overestimation of actual cognitive performance), which was particularly marked 2-4 h post-dose. Although modafinil has proven to be a safe and effective countermeasure to the effects of extensive SD on cognitive task performance, we encourage a more comprehensive understanding of the relation between its subjective and performance enhancing effects before the drug is recommended as a viable fatigue countermeasure.
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Authors | J V Baranski, R A Pigeau |
Journal | Journal of sleep research
(J Sleep Res)
Vol. 6
Issue 2
Pg. 84-91
(Jun 1997)
ISSN: 0962-1105 [Print] England |
PMID | 9377538
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Benzhydryl Compounds
- Central Nervous System Stimulants
- Placebos
- Modafinil
- Dextroamphetamine
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Topics |
- Adult
- Benzhydryl Compounds
(pharmacology)
- Central Nervous System Stimulants
(pharmacology)
- Cognition
(drug effects)
- Dextroamphetamine
(pharmacology)
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Modafinil
- Placebos
- Sleep Deprivation
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