STEM-Talk

Episode 175: Hans Van Dongen on how fatigue and sleep loss lead to cognitive deficits

26 snips
Nov 27, 2024
Dr. Hans Van Dongen, director of the Sleep and Performance Research Center, dives into how sleep loss and circadian misalignment affect brain function. He discusses his mathematical modeling of fatigue's impact on performance, revealing startling insights about cognitive deficits from chronic sleep deprivation. The conversation also highlights the biological basis of chronotypes and the serious implications for health, emphasizing the importance of proactive sleep management in high-stakes situations. Along the way, he shares personal anecdotes that shaped his path into sleep research.
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ANECDOTE

Moving Childhood

  • Hans Van Dongen's family moved frequently within the Netherlands during his childhood.
  • This exposure to different areas and his parents' diverse careers instilled in him a sense that any goal is achievable with effort.
ANECDOTE

Early Computer Exposure

  • Hans Van Dongen's father, a math and science teacher, nurtured his interest in science.
  • Weekend visits to a hands-on museum with early computers further sparked his curiosity and shaped his career path.
ANECDOTE

Path to Sleep Research

  • Hans Van Dongen's path to sleep research began with a programming job in a psychophysiology lab.
  • Working with newly invented actigraphs and wiring a sleep lab provided hands-on experience and sparked his scientific interest in sleep.
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