Association of sleep deprivation with speech volume and pitch

Research was conducted to determine if alterations in the acoustical characteristics of voice occur after moderate cumulative sleep deprivation. Eight subjects participated in the study. Sleep deprivation was obtained by... [ view full abstract ]

Research was conducted to determine if alterations in the acoustical characteristics of voice occur after moderate cumulative sleep deprivation. Eight subjects participated in the study. Sleep deprivation was obtained by prescribing four nights of reduced sleep (6 hrs instead of 8). Speech data were obtained with sociometric badges, cognitive and subjective fatigue data were also collected. Speech volume and pitch were found to be significantly different when subjects were sleep deprived. Secondary circadian effects were not observed. The results support the proposition that speech can be used to measure the fatigue state of individuals.