Fatigue and Sleep Debt in an Operational Navy Squadron

Transmeridian, high-frequency operations cause fatigue and subsequent performance decrements in flight crews. The amount of fatigue experienced by the aviators in an operational EP-3 squadron was quantified before and after interventions were made to promote crew rest. Surveys were completed for 10 days by 2 separate flight crews transitioning to a Southwest Asia detachment site from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Washington. The second crew (Crew B) underwent fatigue countermeasures training several days prior to departure and were provided with 1 additional layover day between the second and third day of transit. The additional layover period was provided in an effort to maximize crew rest prior to a difficult night transit 3 days into the journey. 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 second crew (Crew B). 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. Sleep quality tended to be lower on the nights preceding a scheduled flight and higher on days off. Providing additional layover time and fatigue countermeasures training resulted in decreased fatigue, increased sleep quantity, and improved sleep quality.

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