Investigating Fatigue in Operational Nightshifts

Abstract

The study investigated sleepiness and fatigue in a single split nightshift arrangement in air traffic control. The arrangement included two mirrored nightshift types, with sleep and operational phases alternating once mid-shift. Sleep duration, subjective sleepiness, and fatigue as well as sustained attention, which have not been thoroughly studied to date, were examined. The findings suggest different sleep strategies. Working during the second part of the night resulted in reduced sleep duration before the shift. Subjective fatigue exhibited varying patterns depending on the shift type and time, with elevated fatigue observed at the start and middle of the shift. However, subjective sleepiness and sustained attention were primarily influenced by the passage of time.