Fatigue and Sleep Debt in an Operational Navy Squadron

This study seeks to quantify the fatigue experienced by crew members of transmeridian, high-frequency operations in order to support changes in training and scheduling that promote crew rest. Surveys were completed for 10 days by 2 separate flight crews transitioning to an Asian detachment site from a naval air station in Washington. The second crew (Crew B) underwent training in fatigue countermeasures several days prior to departure and was provided with 1 additional layover day between the second and third day of transit. The surveys quantified: self-reported sleep quantity, sleep quality, sleep debt, and fatigue ratings during the 3 phases of flight: takeoff to top of climb, top of climb to top of descent, and top of descent to landing. Baseline data were collected from the first crew (Crew A) and were then compared to that of the Crew B. The amount of fatigue experienced by the aviators was quantified before and after fatigue countermeasures were made. Results showed that Crew A experienced greater fatigue, a larger sleep debt, and decreased sleep quality compared to Crew B. Both crews demonstrated low sleep quality ratings on the second day of the transit as well as high fatigue ratings after the third leg of the transit. Crew B received more total sleep prior to the third leg of the transit due to the additional layover day. This additional rest period resulted in decreased fatigue ratings for Crew B. Results showed that the additional layover time and fatigue countermeasures training increased sleep quantity, improved sleep quality and decreased fatigue.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/21653673
• Authors:
  • Hardaway, Christina A
  • Gregory, Kevin B
• Publication Date: 2005

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 157-171
• Serial:
  • International Journal of Aviation Psychology
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 1050-8414
  • EISSN: 1532-7108
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/hiap20/current

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aviation safety; Before and after studies; Countermeasures; Fatigue (Physiological condition); Flight crews; Human factors; Layover time; Navy personnel; Scheduling; Sleep; Sleep deprivation; Surveys; Training
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Education and Training; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01000494
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 2 2005 9:10AM