R.J. Chapman, M.W. Johns, K.E. Crowley. In the Drowsy State, Errors of Omission in a Visual Reaction-Time Test Occur with Eyes Open or Closed. Sleep, 2006; 29 (Suppl): A364.
Introduction
It cannot be assumed that failure to respond to a visual stimulus in a vigilance test [error of omission (EOO)] in the drowsy state is due simply to eyelid closure that blocks visual input.
In a previous pilot study, Johns (1) reported that 18 out of 23 EOOs in four sleep deprived drowsy subjects occurred when their eyes were open. Others have also reported some drowsy lapses with eyes open (2,3).
