Association between Sleep Deprivation and Peripheral Nerve Conduction Velocity

Abstract

Background: Sleep is essential for maintaining normal neurological and physiological functions. Sleep deprivation has become increasingly common due to modern lifestyle patterns, irregular work schedules, and prolonged screen exposure. While the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and central nervous system functions have been widely studied, its impact on peripheral nerve conduction velocity remains less explored.

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the association between sleep deprivation and peripheral nerve conduction velocity in healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology and included 70 participants. Subjects were categorized into two groups: sleep-deprived and normal sleep groups based on their sleep duration. Demographic details such as age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Peripheral nerve conduction studies were performed using standard electrophysiological equipment to measure motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity and distal latency of the median nerve. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The results showed that motor nerve conduction velocity was significantly lower in the sleep-deprived group (54.2 ± 4.6 m/s) compared to the normal sleep group (57.8 ± 3.9 m/s) (p = 0.003). Similarly, sensory nerve conduction velocity was reduced in sleep-deprived participants (50.6 ± 3.8 m/s) compared to those with normal sleep (53.7 ± 3.4 m/s) (p = 0.005). Distal latency was significantly higher in the sleep-deprived group (3.8 ± 0.6 ms) than in the normal sleep group (3.3 ± 0.5 ms) (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Sleep deprivation was associated with significant alterations in peripheral nerve conduction parameters, indicating its potential impact on peripheral nerve function.