Influence of back angle on the quality of sleep in seats

Abstract

Nocturnal sleep was assessed electroencephalographically in 9 males aged between 29 and 48 (mean 36·5) years in bed and in three seats with back angles to the vertical of 49·5° (sleeperette), 37·0° (reclining seat) and 17·5° (armchair). Sleep in the sleeperette did not differ from that in bed, but in the reclining seat the duration of sleep was reduced and the amount of awake activity was increased. Sleep in the armchair was markedly worse than in any of the other three conditions. Total sleep time was shorter and awake activity was increased with more awakenings. Sleep efficiency was also reduced. It would appear that adequate sleep may be obtained in seats as long as the back angle with the vertical approaches 40°.