Effects of Restricted Environmental Stimulation

Abstract

SCL and EEG correlates of restricted environmental stimulation (REST) reported in the literature were obtained in the presence of anxietyarousing experimental procedures no longer employed in REST research. The present investigation represents the first attempt to obtain psychophysiological data using current REST procedures aimed at reducing subject anxiety and disorientation. Consistent with earlier studies, EEG alpha densities were significantly enhanced following REST. However, contrary to the early reports, this alpha increase was not progressive. Mid-REST alpha densities were significantly lower than preor post-REST levels. The study also failed to replicate the earlier reports of increasing electrodermal activity throughout REST. Subjects showed significant increases in SCL followed by significant decreases in SCL. Subjects' core and peripheral temperatures showed no significant variations during REST. Changes in chamber ambient temperature did not significantly influence SCL or EEG data. Subjective reports and a measure of stimulus hunger did not indicate particularly stressful reactions to REST.