Exploration of Pilot Fatigue and Sleep Factors - Literature review Example

Exploration of pilot fatigue and sleep factors Letter of Transmittal Dear, This is a report on the subject ‘pilot fatigue and sleep factors’ represents an exploration of the broad ramifications of a slow onset of inadequate rest by pilots. It uncovered that there are a number of important aspects, and areas that contribute to fatigue factors that can escape the notice of pilots regarding their physical and mental state. The key findings of this report are: Fatigue can be attributed to many causes that represent a slow and in many cases condition that can go undetected where it would seem to represent the feeling of being tired as opposed to fatigue. REM sleep is one of the more important aspects to combat fatigue, as it represents providing the body and mind with adequate rest. Whilst REM sleep is hard to measure in terms of inducement, there are approaches that can be used to aid in achieving this condition. Pilots and airlines have a vested interest in combating fatigue. This should become a part of the daily routine of cabin crews as well as off flight routines. Abstract The motivation for this study represents the issue of public safety and information dissemination concerning the dangers of varied forms of pilot fatigue. It was uncovered that fatigue can develop slowly and build to the point where an individual is unaware that they are suffering from acute or chronic fatigue that impacts their mental and physical state. The problem statement thus represents uncovering these factors to create informational awareness that can be easily understood and acted upon. The approach to making progress in this area represents providing salient information in an easily understood format that is concise. This study uncovered that the issues representing fatigue are not complex. Once one is aware of the causes and contributing factors, the signs are usually obvious. This is an important finding that could aid individuals to take corrective action. Table of Contents Introduction 5 Sleep disruption as a major source of fatigue 5 Four reasons for sleep disruption 6 The effects of acute and chronic fatigue 7 Conclusion 8 References 10 Introduction It was found that pilot error is the major cause of airline accidents (Dismukes, et al, 2017). This categorisation is also termed as human error (Wiegmann and Shappell, 2017). Hawkins (2917) advises that in analysing airline accident statistics human error represents around 60 percent of all airline accidents and this number is attributed primarily to takeoff and landings, with the latter representing approximately 70 percent of that total. Hartzier (2014) states varied studies have uncovered that pilot fatigue is frequently associated with changes in time zones, new surroundings in terms of layover accommodations, personal issues and different deep sleep patterns and how one achieves this state. The above introduction has been provided as a basis to understand the significance of this study. Pilots may encounter acute and chronic fatigue caused by a number of reasons Hickie et al (2006), along with with Jackson and Earl (2006) as well as Borghini et al (2014) state that the monotonies associated with flights present the primary cause. The same in-flight routines become second nature and contribute to boredom (Stokes and Kite, 2017). The length of time pilots are confined to the cabin and the endless drone of the engines create a situation that contributes to the constant reminder they are confined (Baba and Daruis, 2011). Other aspects represent constantly different hotel rooms, inconsistent food intake when in flight as well as on the ground, inability to adjust to hotel beds, along with changes in regional time patterns (Caldwell et al, 2009), The variable times of flights interfere with waking and sleep time patterns thus they tend to lie on beds semi-awake for periods of time (Durmer and Dinges,2005). Other factors represent non-work associated aspects that can cause stress (Stokes and Kite, 2017). Sleep disruption as a major source of fatigue Rosales-Lagarde et al (2012) brought forth that numerous medical studies have established the link between a lack of REM sleep on a regular basis as being a contributor to acute and chronic fatigue. One of the contributing causes represents sleep disruption (Buxton et al, 2012). This can b\e caused by sudden noises or movements that intermittently jog a person awake (Sateia – Chest, 2016). It can also be caused by issues or problems a person is having in terms of work or personal areas (Ohlmann et al, 2009). The problem with sleep disruption is that one needs to be aware of the circumstances or conditions that are causing them to lose sleep and modify their surroundings to remove these sources (Schenck, 2007). Over a period of time, a person can come to think of these situations as normal and not realise that they are slowly developing fatigue symptoms (Juliff et al, 2015; Costa, 2010). Four reasons for sleep disruption Skeldon et al (2014) state there are three major groups of sleep patterns. Polyphasic sleep refers to one sleeping more four to six periods during a day (Karlen, 2010). Biphasic sleep patterns refer to individuals that sleep twice a day as a normal routine of different durations (Steriade, 2006). Monophasic sleep represents sleeping once per day that generally consists of eight hours (Bourne, 2008). Circadian rhythms represent the mental, physical as well as behavioural changes that are a part of an individual’s daily cycle (Edgar et al, 2012). Under a normal monophasic sleep pattern where the routine is fairly the same, one develops a biological clock where we tend to become sleepy and wake at a certain time (Edgar et al, 2012). Stress can disrupt a person’s sleep and particularly can interrupt the circadian patterns as a result of cortisol from the adrenal glands (Clow, 2010). This is because cortisol falls and rises throughout the day, with its lowest levels being around midnight and 4 AM, and the highest levels starting at 8 AM (Kandasamy et al, 2014). Stress disrupts this pattern and thus creates irregular sleep. Adrenal fatigue is when a person’s adrenal hormone levels fall that can result in low blood sugar (Head and Kelly, 2009). This can be due to excessive physical activity or long periods of work. This is a common problem for pilots where long hours in a cabin calls for mental alertness and contributes to mental fatigue (Reis, 2013). Excess and irregular noise is another cause of sleep disruption for pilots (Hartzler, 2014). Different hotel rooms near airports or highways can result in unusual noise patterns that disrupt normal sleep comfort expectations (Caldwell and Caldwell, 2016). Another common cause of sleep disruption can be jet lag (Srinivasan et al, 2010). It is is a physiological condition that causes abnormalities regarding an individual’s circadian rhythms that is usually a result of long-distance flight that can last a few or several days (Srinivasan et al, 2010). Hastings (2013) advises that one can prepare for jet lag by sleeping on the plane, staying hydrated, moving around in the plane, and possibly using melatonin to help regulate circadian rhythms. The effects of acute and chronic fatigue Powell (2010) advises acute fatigue represents a sudden onset of tiredness. The causes can represent stress, lack of proper sleep during varying periods of time, improper eating habits, and an inability to adjust to new circumstances along with the alcohol or drug use (Powell, 2010). In terms of chronic fatigue, van Drongelen et al (2014) state it is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). It is attributed to fatigue over a long period that usually is also associated with varied symptoms that can interfere with an individual’s ability to function in terms of daily activities. Hartzler (2014) advises that irregular life patterns such as meals taken at different times, unusual food type intake, changes in surroundings, regional time differences and allied aspects represent a slow process of mental uneasiness that can erode REM sleep and cause acute fatigue. These conditions magnify over time to the point that a person is unaware they are slowly deteriorating (Reynolds and, Banks, 2010). Pilots can combat these conditions by introducing regular routines into their schedules based on flight duration and regional time zones (Powell, 2010). This consist of ordering meals that have only slight cooking variations such as baked chicken, steamed vegetables, oatmeal, omelets, decaffeinated coffee, teas, and fish to minimise digestive distress (Powell, 2010). In terms of irregular noise or surroundings, there is the option of using noise canceling earplugs that block out unwanted sound during sleep (Hartzler, 2014). Other distractions such as the cell phone can be turned off. Airlines have a vested interest in supplying pilots and cabin crews with information packets that inform them of the above approach to combating acute and chronic fatigue. Scheduling regular doctor checkups and being available for crew unscheduled appointments represent measures to cause this approach to be successful. Conclusion The problem of varied forms of fatigue among pilots as found to be one that is contained in their similar routines as well as varied schedules travel across time zones and confinement to a defined space. As identified in this study, the onset of fatigue symptoms represents a slow and almost imperceptible condition. This is particularly dangerous as a pilot may not be aware they are on the brink. It was uncovered that with awareness, pilots can be armed with a set of easy to use and implement fatigue combating techniques or self-awareness principles to permit them to help minimise its effects. This is not to say that these represent a substitution for qualified medical analysis, but rather aids to help pilots understand the need for vigilance on this area. 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