Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

If an individual stays awake for 24 hours straight, what would their approximate BAC level reflect?

1. 5%

2. 10%

3. 15%

4. 20%

The correct answer is: 10%

When considering the effects of sleep deprivation on an individual's performance and cognitive functions, studies often equate being awake for an extended period, such as 24 hours, to the impairments caused by a certain blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. Specifically, being awake for such a long time can lead to impairments similar to those observed at a BAC of around 0.10%, which is 10%. At this level, individuals may experience significant deficits in judgment, coordination, and reaction time, resembling impairment due to alcohol intoxication. These effects underscore the cognitive and motor performance detriments that can occur with sleep deprivation, making it a valuable comparison point for understanding the risks associated with both alcohol consumption and extended wakefulness. Hence, the choice indicating a 10% BAC level accurately reflects the impairment level an individual may experience after being awake for 24 hours.