Attention Lapses (PVT lapses)

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Number of simple RT trials with a reaction slower than 500 ms per day.

Detailed Description

The primary marker of sleep deprivation in the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT): the share of trials where reaction time exceeded 500 ms — a micro-lapse in attention. A well-rested person produces almost no lapses; the count rises sharply after sleep loss even when the mean RT barely changes, making it more sensitive than the plain mean.

How to Improve

  • Adequate, quality sleep (primary factor)
  • Avoid chronic sleep debt
  • Short nap when sleep debt has accumulated

Related Metrics

Simple Reaction Time (Mean) Mean reaction time in simple RT test (ms). Simple Reaction Time (Median) Median reaction time in simple RT test (ms). Simple Reaction Time (Slowest 10%) Mean reaction time of the slowest 10% of trials per day (ms).

References