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Updated: Dec 5, 2025
Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
Exposure to Short Wavelength-Enriched White Light and Exercise Improves Alertness and Performance in Operational NASA
Laura K Barger1, Jason P Sullivan, Steven W Lockley
1Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Barger, Sullivan, Dr Lockley, Dr Czeisler); Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Barger, Dr Lockley, Dr Czeisler).
Objective:
We evaluated the efficacy of a combined short-wavelength-enriched white light and exercise fatigue countermeasure during breaks for flight controllers working overnight shifts.
Methods:
Twenty NASA flight controllers were studied for two blocks of nightshifts in ISS mission control, randomized to either the control or countermeasure condition. The countermeasure constituted passive exposure to blue-enriched polychromatic lighting for three 20-minute intervals, which included 10 minutes of exercise and occurred before and twice during their shifts. Alertness, performance, and mood were evaluated.
Results:
Flight controllers reported being significantly more alert (P < 0.0001) and happy (P = 0.003) and had faster reaction times (10% slowest responses; P < 0.05) during the countermeasure condition compared to control.
Conclusions:
The combined light and exercise countermeasure improved alertness, performance, and mood in shift workers overnight. Further research is necessary to determine their relative contribution.
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