Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of total sleep deprivation on daily basal energy expenditure. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were included in the study. Resting energy expenditure was measured with indirect calorimetry device (Vmax 29c Sensor Medics, Yorba Linda, CA, USA) at 09:00 a.m., and food was withheld after midnight the prior evening. The measurements were carried out after eight hours of rest in awake subjects at constant ambient (environmental) temperature for at least 20 minutes. After 24 hours of total sleep deprivation, the measurements were repeated. Results: The first-measured mean resting energy expenditure was 1351.10±600.37 kcal/24 h and the second measurement revealed slight decrease with a mean value of 1250.60±454.39 kcal/24 h, but the difference did not reach the level of statistical significance. The changes in mean resting energy expenditure values before and after total sleep deprivation were evaluated in men and women separately, but no significant difference was observed between the two genders. Mean body mass index values correlated positively and significantly with both first and second resting energy measurements. Conclusion: Our results showed that total sleep deprivation did not directly affect daily basal energy expenditure. Sleep deprivation, sleep disorders and insomnia are associated with metabolic changes. Those metabolic effects are more likely related to chronic sleep restriction and changes in appetite and glucose metabolism that may cause weight gain and diabetes, rather than being direct effects on energy expenditure. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2011; 48: 17-21)