Sleep patterns of flight crews during multiple stopovers on polar flights

Total sleep time (TST) was reduced during layovers, with sleep efficiency dropping to 72.0%.

• Sleep efficiency was low after the flight from Tokyo to Anchorage.
• In London, time in bed increased slightly, but sleep efficiency remained reduced.
• Upon returning to Anchorage, there was a rebound in slow wave sleep, yet sleep efficiency was still compromised at 76.8%.
• Sleep efficiency on the second recovery night was significantly lower than on baseline nights.
• Cumulative sleep loss was noted during multi-leg polar route trips compared to single leg flights.
• Extended recovery sleep of at least three nights is suggested for aircrew after extensive transmeridian flights.

Simplified