Health Risks and Potential Predictors of Fatigue and Sleepiness in Airline Cabin Crew

Abstract

Background: Aviation pilots and cabin crew regularly undertake shift work, and may experience circadian disruption, restricted sleep, sleepiness and impaired health. Research on aviation fatigue and sleepiness has focused on pilots, with less being known about cabin crew. This study aimed to identify likely predictors of fatigue, sleepiness, shift work disorder (SWD) and depression in cabin crew. Methods: An online anonymous survey was distributed to active cabin crew around the world. It measured sleepiness, fatigue, and screened for insomnia, depression and SWD. Information on individuals’ habits and work schedules were collected. Results: 930 valid responses were analysed. 63.5% of the sample had abnormal levels of fatigue and 46.9% experienced excessive daytime sleepiness. 68.0% were at risk for SWD, 57.7% screened positive for insomnia, and 40.0% for depression. Caffeine and use of alcohol and drugs for sleep were independently associated with insomnia and SWD (p < 0.05), whereas, type of route (international, domestic, both) and number of duty days per week predicted fatigue (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Cabin crew had a high prevalence of fatigue, sleepiness and elevated risk for SWD, insomnia and depression. Many cabin crew engaged in behaviours detrimental to good sleep hygiene, highlighting targets for future interventional studies.

Evaluation of fatigue and sleep problems in cabin crews during the early COVID-19 pandemic period

“…Also, COVID-19 documents needed to be filled before and after each trip [ 13 ]. In the study of Wen et al on cabin crew during the COVID-19 period, the Flinders fatigue scale was applied and 63.5% fatigue was detected [ 4 ]. In this study conducted with FSS scores, fatigue was found to be 43.6% in the cabin crew.…”

“…The cabin crew members represent certified individuals assigned by the airline company to carry out duties related to flight and passenger safety during flights [ [4] , [5] , [6] ]. Sleep disturbance, depression and fatigue are frequently noted in cabin crew.…”

Fatigue and Sleep in Airline Cabin Crew: A Scoping Review

“…The majority of the studies investigated multiple outcomes of interest; 17 studies looked at fatigue, eight sleepiness, 22 reported other relevant sleep measures and 11 explored mental health issues. One study investigated all four concepts [37]. Table 3 displays the publication details of the studies included in this scoping review.…”

Fatigue, Work Overload, and Sleepiness in a Sample of Spanish Commercial Airline Pilots

“…In relation to shift work, there is increasing evidence of its relationship with various sleep disorders such as excessive daytime sleepiness, caused by altered circadian rhythms [ 20 , 21 ], with a high prevalence of daytime sleepiness observed in these type of workers [ 22 ]. Furthermore, in the aviation industry where shift work is frequent, a high prevalence of fatigue, sleepiness, and shift work disorder have been observed among airline cabin crew [ 23 ].…”