Effects of quick rotating shift schedules on the health and adjustment of air traffic controllers

Many Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCSs) in the United States work shift schedules that involve counterclockwise rapid rotations. Researchers have reported negative health effects associated with shiftwork, suggesting that workers on rotating shift schedules suffer the greatest consequences. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of health, sleep, and shiftwork adaptation problems experienced by ATCSs.

It was hypothesized that shiftwork-related problems would be identified.

A total of 210 ATCSs completed a modified version of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) General Health and Adjustment Questionnaire (25). The questionnaire included a broad range of health, sleep, job, and lifestyle questions. Health and sleep pattern index scores were computed for this paper. Comparisons were conducted based on the following shift characteristics: length of shift (8- vs. 9-h), number of early morning shifts, number of midnight shifts, and schedule preference.

Over half of the sample in this study reported periods of severe fatigue or exhaustion and symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbance typically found among shift workers. Better health and sleep pattern index scores were reported by those who preferred rotating schedules and by those who did not work night shifts.

The ATCSs in this sample were relatively young and are required to pass a yearly physical to maintain employment. Thus, this may have resulted in low frequencies of reported medical problems. However, reports of sleepiness, fatigue, and falling asleep seem to indicate that countermeasures for sleepiness at work and on the drive home could benefit ATCSs.