Psychostimulants and Military Operations.pdf

Sleep-deprived individuals appear to have decreased psychological

and physical capabilities. Studies have shown how major

psychological aspects, such as alertness, complex mental

performance, and memory, are strongly affected by sleep deprivation.

Military use of psycbostimulants dates back many

years, especially in units that operate over long hours and

deprive soldiers of sleep. During prolonged military operations,

pilots are regulariy kept awake for hours and days without

fulfilling their biological sleep requirements. This consequently

affects their natural circadian rhythm. This article

deals with both the benefits and the side effects of two kinds

of psychostimulants. namely, dextroamphetamine. which is

more popular and is most widely used, and modafinil. which is

a relatively newer type. There is growing evidence that modafinil

has fewer side effects, in comparison with its predecessor

dextroamphetamine. while still maintaining all of the latter's

beneficiai characteristics.