A study of USAF air traffic controller shiftwork: sleep, fatigue, activity, and mood analyses

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Air traffic controllers (ATCs) operate under demanding shift schedules.
• Rapid rotation schedules, like the 2-2-2 system, can impact physiological and psychological states.
• Understanding the effects of shift work on ATCs is crucial for safety and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate sleep, activity, mood, and cognitive performance in ATCs on a 2-2-2 rapid rotation schedule.
• To identify the specific impacts of night shifts on ATC functioning.
• To assess the relationship between shift work and controller fatigue and confusion.

Main Methods:

• Utilized actigraphy for objective sleep and activity monitoring (n=9).
• Collected subjective data on sleep, fatigue, and mood using questionnaires (n=12-13).
• Analyzed data based on duty shift, post-shift, day of shift, and location.

Main Results:

• Night shifts were associated with significantly more sleep (actigraphy and subjective) and higher fatigue and confusion.
• Reduced vigor and general activity levels were observed during night shifts.
• Swing shifts resulted in more reported and actigraph-scored sleep compared to day shifts.

Conclusions:

• ATCs on night shifts of a forward rapid rotation schedule exhibit signs of sleepiness, increased confusion, and fatigue.
• The findings suggest potential risks to ATC performance and well-being under this schedule.
• Further research is recommended to explore mitigation strategies and long-term effects.