Effects of modafinil and sleep loss on physiological parameters.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of modafinil administration on physical performance, thermoregulation, and total energy expenditure (TEE) during continued wakefulness in Air Force operators.


METHODS
Participants (N = 12) were randomly assigned to the modafinil or placebo group. Participants performed physical performance and testing during 72 hours of wakefulness.


RESULTS
There were no differences between groups for physical performance. Oral temperature was higher for modafinil compared to placebo (36.5 +/- 0.2 degrees C versus 36.3 +/- 0.2 degrees C for modafinil and placebo, respectively, p < 0.05). Daily water turnover (8.8 +/- 1.0 L x day(-1) and 9.0 +/- 1.5 L x day(-1)) and total energy expenditure (19.4 +/- 3.7 and 19.9 +/- 2.1 MJ) were similar between the modafinil and placebo groups, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
modafinil did not improve physical performance. Despite elevating oral temperature, water turnover and TEE were similar between treatments. These findings suggest it is unnecessary for operators taking modafinil to carry additional fluids and/or food.
Cuddy
John S
JS
Department of Health and Human Performance, Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism, University of Montana, McGill Hall, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812, USA.
Reinert
Andrew R
AR
Hansen
Kent C
KC
Ruby
Brent C
BC
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000077408:Modafinil; D010807:Physical Endurance; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000187:drug effects*
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000077408:Modafinil