Changes in sleep patterns during He-O2 saturation dives.

During simulated hyperbaric saturation diving experiments of He-O2 mixture at the depths of 150, 180 and 230 m the standard polysomnography of four divers, as well as their subjective feelings of fatigue, were recorded for 268 nights. In all three diving conditions, during the bottom period and the decompression period, wakes after sleep onset and Stage 1 sleep increased while Stage 4 sleep decreased. In deeper diving conditions stage 4 sleep tended to decrease and subjective feelings of fatigue increased. When the results are considered it can be assumed that the deeper the diving depths, the increased sleep disturbances and fatigue. However, it is believed that a fundamental sleep pattern will be maintained.