Circadian Dysrhythmia and Long Term Flight
Advisor Information
Jonathan Santo
Location
Milo Bail Student Center Gallery Room
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
8-3-2013 9:00 AM
End Date
8-3-2013 9:15 AM
Abstract
Circadian Dysrhythmia due to sleep deprivation has been under scrutiny as a chief contributing factor in aviation and aerospace mishaps. Multiple aviation accidents and incidents, increased flight and stay duration for astronauts during space missions, and commercial space flights have placed sleep deprivation study into the foremost of importance. Manned missions require unique consideration due to its flight duration, restricted environment, need for drastic physiological adaptation and demand for accuracy in a high risk operation. Despite stringent regulations for crew sleep and rest time, fatigue related incidents are still common and can prove fatal. This raises the question on gauging the quality of sleep rather than the regulated quantity of crew rest time. Due to lack of measuring tools for sleep deprivation, its effect on performance, aeronautical decision making and efficiency are used as indicators of evaluation. The resultant evidences can be witnessed through attention reduction, increased reflex time, lowered motivation and higher levels of risk taking behavior patterns that jeopardize mission and crew safety. This paper discusses circadian dysrhythmia and assesses its effect on long duration manned mission. Some examples used are fatigue studies from aviation accidents, research done on the physiology of astronauts who have piloted manned missions and who are space station residents. Other references include sleep related fatigue studies conducted by the US Military after research on crew members working on overseas flight assignments. The objective of the paper is to add to human factors studies being done on aviation and aerospace science.
Circadian Dysrhythmia and Long Term Flight
Milo Bail Student Center Gallery Room
Circadian Dysrhythmia due to sleep deprivation has been under scrutiny as a chief contributing factor in aviation and aerospace mishaps. Multiple aviation accidents and incidents, increased flight and stay duration for astronauts during space missions, and commercial space flights have placed sleep deprivation study into the foremost of importance. Manned missions require unique consideration due to its flight duration, restricted environment, need for drastic physiological adaptation and demand for accuracy in a high risk operation. Despite stringent regulations for crew sleep and rest time, fatigue related incidents are still common and can prove fatal. This raises the question on gauging the quality of sleep rather than the regulated quantity of crew rest time. Due to lack of measuring tools for sleep deprivation, its effect on performance, aeronautical decision making and efficiency are used as indicators of evaluation. The resultant evidences can be witnessed through attention reduction, increased reflex time, lowered motivation and higher levels of risk taking behavior patterns that jeopardize mission and crew safety. This paper discusses circadian dysrhythmia and assesses its effect on long duration manned mission. Some examples used are fatigue studies from aviation accidents, research done on the physiology of astronauts who have piloted manned missions and who are space station residents. Other references include sleep related fatigue studies conducted by the US Military after research on crew members working on overseas flight assignments. The objective of the paper is to add to human factors studies being done on aviation and aerospace science.