Flight crew sleep during multiple layover polar flights.

Jul 1, 1993Aviation, space, and environmental medicine

Sleep patterns of flight crews during multiple stopovers on polar flights

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Abstract

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.

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