Occup Environ Med October 2000 PMID 10984335

Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication.

A M Williamson, A M Feyer

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Mentions

275
Peak: 5 in Feb 2023
across 6 sources since Dec 2011

Extended reach

297,297
potential audience

Total likes

6,186

Video views

128,613

Mentions per month

Dec 2011 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

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  • Facebook36 posts
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  • Reddit4 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The social discussions exhibit a strong consensus that sleep deprivation has serious performance consequences comparable to alcohol intoxication, with users frequently citing the study and emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep. Words reflecting urgency and concern, such as 'reminder,' 'warning,' and 'must consider,' reveal a collective perception of the research’s high impact on safety and personal health.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly acknowledge the study’s findings, emphasizing the correlation between sleep deprivation and impairment comparable to alcohol intoxication, supported by repeated references to the research and its conclusions.

InterestHigh interest

Participants demonstrate high interest by referencing specific studies, emphasizing the importance of sleep for performance, and discussing safety implications, indicating they find the topic highly relevant and engaging.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many discussions go beyond simple acknowledgment, with posts quoting the study, highlighting personal opinions, and raising concerns about societal or legal issues related to fatigue; words like 'explain,' 'reminder,' and 'warning' show deep engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

The collective tone underscores a perception that the research has significant implications for daily life, safety, and public health, with comments stressing the importance of prioritizing sleep and warning about fatigue’s dangers.

Abstract in brief

  • Moderate sleep deprivation can impair cognitive and motor performance to an extent similar to legally drunk levels of alcohol, specifically around 0.05 BAC.
  • The study involved 39 subjects and found that after approximately 17-19 hours without sleep, their performance on various tests was as bad as or worse than when they had consumed alcohol at a BAC of 0.05, with some reaction times slowing by up to 50%.
  • These results suggest that sleep deprivation significantly affects performance, highlighting its potential danger in activities requiring quick and accurate responses, such as driving or industrial work.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Laura Vater, MD, MPH
@doclauravater · X

@DrPrathima All from CDC: 1. Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication. Occup Environ Med. 2000;57(10):649-55.

Feb 18, 2023 · 80 likes · 5 shares · 10,608 followers View post →
Dr.Reza.Fereydoonzadeh
@dfereydoonzadeh · X

بی خوابی بالای ۲۰ ساعت باعث می‌شود کارکرد مغز طوری تغییر کند که انگار الکل ۱۰٪ مصرف کرده است. https://t.co/zzZiqZUc5L

Apr 20, 2025 · 30 likes · 1 share · 3,040 followers View post →
Tom Hill
@tomhillonline · X

@t0nyyates Explains a lot when you think about it: 'Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication' https://t.co/2fAeZtF2SO

Jan 13, 2024 · 26 likes · 1,080 followers View post →
Sayuri Abe-Hiraishi
@sy_littlelily · X

ちなみに資料内で引用してる主な文献はこちら。 https://t.co/BpdM7H0Pza https://t.co/UsrXsjbk1u https://t.co/KzkjcJ4fK5 皆さん寝ましょうねぇー。

Aug 31, 2020 · 25 likes · 1 share · 8,160 followers View post →
Laura Vater, MD, MPH
@doclauravater · X

@ajwhiten 1. Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication. Occup Environ Med. 2000;57(10):649-55.

Feb 18, 2023 · 12 likes · 1 share · 10,608 followers View post →
Hailey Meaklim, PhD, DBSM
@SleepPsych_Aus · X

An oldie but a goodie! Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication https://t.co/0lDRva9CuT

Aug 8, 2019 · 6 likes · 1 share · 4,522 followers View post →

All mentions

Jofo
@jofoYkompany · X

@y_interna @AntelmPujol @sanidadgob https://t.co/QERh6cdh7A

Aug 8, 2025 · 22 followers View post →
Paul Eilers
@paulfeilers · X

The study behind this post: Williamson & Feyer (2000) tested reaction time after sleep loss. Result: 17 to 19 hours awake = impairment similar to 0.05 percent BAC 24+ hours awake = similar to 0.10 percent BAC Chronic short sleep adds up fast. https://t.co/FDMxbIXf7O

Aug 8, 2025 · 1 like · 1,208 followers View post →
Paul Eilers
@paulfeilers · X

Is Sleep a Luxury or a Performance Enhancer? Just 5 nights of 6 hours sleep can slow reaction time like being over the legal alcohol limit. So aim for 7 to 9 hours a night. Your brain will thank you. #SleepScience #Health #Performance https://t.co/FDMxbIXf7O

Aug 8, 2025 · 2 likes · 1,208 followers View post →
fariba
@faribaj67 · X

RT @dfereydoonzadeh: بی خوابی بالای ۲۰ ساعت باعث می‌شود کارکرد مغز طوری تغییر کند که انگار الکل ۱۰٪ مصرف کرده است. https://t.co/zzZiqZUc5L

Apr 20, 2025 · 1 share · 58,550 followers View post →
Dr.Reza.Fereydoonzadeh
@dfereydoonzadeh · X

بی خوابی بالای ۲۰ ساعت باعث می‌شود کارکرد مغز طوری تغییر کند که انگار الکل ۱۰٪ مصرف کرده است. https://t.co/zzZiqZUc5L

Apr 20, 2025 · 30 likes · 1 share · 3,040 followers View post →
Vincent
@vtougait · X

@NightHaunter En citant https://t.co/ukgB0mU96t, https://t.co/MNxhBw8lvs et https://t.co/3K6jsemKqC. Bon, après, prêcher ça sans remettre en cause les gardes de 24h que pas mal apprécient, ça serait un drôle de numéro d'équilibriste

Jan 26, 2025 · 1 like · 62 followers View post →
Delita Hyral
@DelitaCid · X

@coffeecatharine @ThymeToBeBorn Wrong. Some data: Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication Research demonstrates that a sleep-deprived brain mimics an intoxicated brain. https://t.co/AplhGZqKF5

Nov 11, 2024 · 15 followers View post →
Alen Juginović, M.D.
@AlenJuginovic · X

Study: https://t.co/PjZhbA9l5U

Jul 5, 2024 · 408 followers View post →
Laura Vater, MD, MPH
@doclauravater · X

Data from: 1. Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication. Occup Environ Med. 2000;57(10):649-55.

Feb 21, 2024 · 2 likes · 10,608 followers View post →
Tom Hill
@tomhillonline · X

@t0nyyates Explains a lot when you think about it: 'Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication' https://t.co/2fAeZtF2SO

Jan 13, 2024 · 26 likes · 1,080 followers View post →
Mark A
@growth_pigeon · X

Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication A reminder that constant grind doesn't equate to productivity: https://t.co/nRLmRleLdt https://t.co/QP1cZxJiII

Jul 2, 2023 · 688 followers View post →
Jacq
@ngakawau1 · X

@_Sara_Jade_ Worrying Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance https://t.co/U90Mh6AH6w

May 11, 2023 · 663 followers View post →
ocarl
@ocarl18 · X

RT @doclauravater: @DrPrathima All from CDC: 1. Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and…

Feb 20, 2023 · 5 shares · 207 followers View post →
The Doctor is IN
@TheDoctoris1N · X

RT @doclauravater: @DrPrathima All from CDC: 1. Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and…

Feb 19, 2023 · 5 shares · 59 followers View post →
.C.at .L.ady .I.n .T.raining
@EssToTheHizzay · X

RT @doclauravater: @DrPrathima All from CDC: 1. Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and…

Feb 18, 2023 · 5 shares · 300 followers View post →
Laura Vater, MD, MPH
@doclauravater · X

@DrPrathima All from CDC: 1. Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication. Occup Environ Med. 2000;57(10):649-55.

Feb 18, 2023 · 80 likes · 5 shares · 10,608 followers View post →
Laura Vater, MD, MPH
@doclauravater · X

@ajwhiten 1. Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication. Occup Environ Med. 2000;57(10):649-55.

Feb 18, 2023 · 12 likes · 1 share · 10,608 followers View post →
Brian Gallini
@briangallini · X

5/ Prioritize sleep. I know you’ve heard it from 1000 people, so now, add me to the list to make it 1001. But real talk - even moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance.

Nov 30, 2022 · 2 likes · 1,560 followers View post →
Cientistas Engajados
@CientistasE · X

https://t.co/t4PcrZbcGH https://t.co/Igkb4BPsYf

May 20, 2022 · 2,430 followers View post →
Steven J. Frisch
@stevenjfrisch · X

@Captsully "Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication." Fatigue, regardless of cause, can significantly impair performance. https://t.co/D0lIq8kwMU

Apr 25, 2022 · 1 like · 22,561 followers View post →
MyFriendHypnos
@MyFriendHypnos · X

Being awake more than 16 hours straight decreases your performance as much as if your blood alcohol level were .1 Legal limit = .05 If you’re looking to perform optimally prioritize your #sleep. Study: Occup Environ Med. 2000 Oct; 57(10): 649–655. doi: 10.1136/oem.57.10.649

Jan 18, 2022 · 1 followers View post →
Bill Dobell OAM
@bill_dobell · X

@TimQMLCNorthVic Tim, how can this be enforceable when fatigued individuals are making decision?? Remembering moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication. They are legally unable to drive but???

Dec 2, 2021 · 4 likes · 12,238 followers View post →
Dr. Gorizmi
@gorizmi · X

2. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication. https://t.co/Ux4fEFiYvi

Nov 30, 2021 · 1 like · 1,924 followers View post →
Billyboo
@Billybo65639885 · X

RT @NoorMahmoudMD: Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent t…

Jul 9, 2021 · 1 share · 78 followers View post →
Noor Mahmoud, M.D.
@brainwithN · X

Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication. Occup Environ Med. 2000;57(10):649-55.

Jul 6, 2021 · 1 share · 1,427 followers View post →
Sure Tips Lord
@Sure_Tips_Lord · X

Another study found that short sleep can negatively impact some aspects of brain function to a similar degree as alcohol intoxication (Source (https://t.co/U0WDNWpe8Y)).

Jun 4, 2021 · 169 followers View post →
Matt Christians
@Matt_Christians · X

Science: Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication Senate after 18 hours: Okay let's vote!

Mar 6, 2021 · 611 followers View post →
鳥子ロール
@tori82319191 · X

RT @anesthnosada: @Kazuto_Takeuchi https://t.co/PWIkwLgQ9f 同じくpubmedからですが、徹夜明けはアルコールと同じくらい脳機能を低下させる文献。 隣で徹夜明けの同僚がゾンビ化しているのを見ながら揚げてみます。

Feb 28, 2021 · 1 share · 800 followers View post →
nosada
@anesthnosada · X

@Kazuto_Takeuchi https://t.co/PWIkwLgQ9f 同じくpubmedからですが、徹夜明けはアルコールと同じくらい脳機能を低下させる文献。 隣で徹夜明けの同僚がゾンビ化しているのを見ながら揚げてみます。

Feb 24, 2021 · 1 like · 1 share · 4,009 followers View post →
ZIMA METHOD
@ZimaMethod · X

Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication.

Nov 10, 2020 View post →
TIKI@loveONIKU
@Taotoi · X

RT @sy_littlelily: ちなみに資料内で引用してる主な文献はこちら。 https://t.co/BpdM7H0Pza https://t.co/UsrXsjbk1u https://t.co/KzkjcJ4fK5 皆さん寝ましょうねぇー。

Aug 31, 2020 · 1 share · 1,143 followers View post →
Sayuri Abe-Hiraishi
@sy_littlelily · X

ちなみに資料内で引用してる主な文献はこちら。 https://t.co/BpdM7H0Pza https://t.co/UsrXsjbk1u https://t.co/KzkjcJ4fK5 皆さん寝ましょうねぇー。

Aug 31, 2020 · 25 likes · 1 share · 8,160 followers View post →
Wellness Think Tank
@WellnessTT · X

RT @SolvngResBrnout: 2/2 and Anne-Marie Feyer. "Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivale…

Mar 29, 2020 · 2 shares · 326 followers View post →
aL'Ai alvarez, MD
@alvarezzzy · X

RT @SolvngResBrnout: 2/2 and Anne-Marie Feyer. "Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivale…

Mar 28, 2020 · 2 shares · 3,743 followers View post →
Solving
@SolvngResBrnout · X

2/2 and Anne-Marie Feyer. "Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication." Occupational and environmental medicine 57.10 (2000): 649-655.

Mar 28, 2020 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 1,053 followers View post →
Dr. Marty Martin
@DrMartyMartin · X

Moderate #sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication https://t.co/6IWCgbsQK3 via @NCBI

Feb 19, 2020 · 992 followers View post →
OptimOZ.com.au
@OptimOZ · X

Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication https://t.co/76ojLsAIG0 https://t.co/smF5WVQyzL https://t.co/zihELsiI4n

Nov 23, 2019 · 474 followers View post →
Missy Begay, MD
@m_begay · X

RT @SleepPsych_Aus: An oldie but a goodie! Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to…

Aug 9, 2019 · 1 share · 595 followers View post →
Hailey Meaklim, PhD, DBSM
@SleepPsych_Aus · X

An oldie but a goodie! Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication https://t.co/0lDRva9CuT

Aug 8, 2019 · 6 likes · 1 share · 4,522 followers View post →
Fjletona
@fjletona · X

Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication https://t.co/2ZeXBofegt

Mar 16, 2019 · 461 followers View post →