Disruption of Circadian Rhythms Resulting

Disruption of Circadian Rhythms Resulting in Pilot Fatigue

Identifying Opportunities to Reduce Aviation Accidents Attributable to Pilot Fatigue

The problem is well-known

To deliver a comprehensive and critical review of the relevant peer-reviewed literature concerning circadian rhythms in general and how the disruptions of these rhythms can result in pilot fatigue in particular;

To explore current trends in addressing pilot fatigue attributable to disruptions of circadian rhythms using a series of semi-structured interviews with researchers and aviation industry officials; and,

To create this PowerPoint presentation concerning the problems that are associated with pilot fatigue in general and pilot fatigue attributable to the disruption of circadian rhythms in particular, including the key findings that emerged from the study as well as the recommendations that resulted.

Overview of Circadian Rhythms

Circadian cycles are created by so-called "biological clocks" based on the solar day of about 24 hours.

it is possible to synchronize circadian cycles with external time signals; however, it is also possible to achieve such behavioral shifts without the use of external signals .

NTSB Percentage of Pilot Errors

Approximately 80% of all air crashes fall into the category of some type of pilot error.

NTSB Percentage of Pilot Errors (cont'd)

Pilot Error-Related Accident Causes by Category (percent)

Results of the Administration of the Circadian Rhythm Test (n=80)

Responses to "At what time of day do you feel most energetic?"

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Question, "At what time of day do you feel down or tired?"

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Request, "Choose the answer that best describes your sleep and mood?: How I sleep (nighttime)"

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Question, "My energy/mood (daytime)"

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Question, "What time do you usually fall asleep?"

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Question, "How long do you usually lie awake before falling asleep?"

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Question, "When you go to bed at your usual time, what time does your body wake up naturally? (Assume that you don't use your alarm clock and you are free from work, school, or other commitments.)

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Question, "What time do you need to get up each morning?"

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Statement, "Describe how you sleep. (Assume you need to wake up at a certain time each morning.): How I fall asleep"

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Statement, "Describe how you sleep. (Assume you need to wake up at a certain time each morning.): My ability to stay asleep at night."

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Statement, "How my body naturally wakes up."

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Question, "What time of year do you notice sleep, energy or mood problems?"

Circadian Rhythm Test responses (cont'd)

Responses to Question, "What time of year do you notice sleep, energy or mood problems? Ends"