Effect of sleep restriction on somatosensory sensitivity in the oro-facial area: An experimental controlled study.

BACKGROUND: No studies have addressed the effect of SR on somatosensory function in the oro-facial 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 with 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 and 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 oro-facial area.