Measurement Methods of Fatigue, Sleepiness, and Sleep Behaviour Aboard Ships: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Since seafarers are known to be exposed to numerous job-related stress factors that can cause fatigue, sleepiness, and disturbed sleep behaviour, the aim of this review was to provide an overview of the subjective and objective measurement methods of these strains. Using a systematic review, 166 studies were identified within the period of January 2010 to December 2020 using the PubMed database. Of the 21 studies selected, 13 used both subjective and objective measurement methods. Six studies used only subjective and two studies only objective methods. For subjective assessment, 12 different questionnaires could be identified as well as activity and sleeping logs. Actigraphy and reaction time tests (RTT) were the most common objective methods. In single cases, electrooculography (EOG), pupillometry and ambulatory polysomnography (PSG) were used. Measurement-related limitations due to vessel-related impacts were less often reported than expected. No restrictions of daily routines on board were described, and only single-measurement disturbances due to ship movements were mentioned. The present literature review reveals that there are various routines to measure fatigue, sleepiness, and sleep behaviour on board. A combination of subjective and objective methods often appears to be beneficial. The frequent use of actigraphy and RTT on board suggests good feasibility and reliable measurements with these methods. The use of ambulatory PSG in maritime-like contexts suggests that this method would also be feasible on board.

Burnout: A Review of Theory and Measurement

“…To assess the added value of a joint use of two tools, Leclercq et al [142] compare the diagnostic accuracy of a structured interview guide and a self-reported questionnaire, finding differences in sensitivity and specificity with implications in diagnosis and treatment. A systematic review analyses both subjective and objective measurement methods to study fatigue, sleepiness, and sleep behavior in seafarers [143]. Related to new ways to measure and study stress, the "Study on Emergency physicians' responses Evaluated by Karasek questionnaire" (SEEK) Protocol [144] presents the design of a study protocol to examine well-being in emergency healthcare workers in order to assess and determine Karasek scores in a large sample size of emergency healthcare workers and evaluate whether there is a change in work perception (both in the short and the long term).…”

A rapid, non-invasive method for fatigue detection based on voice information

“…Prolonged sleep deprivation affects human physiological rhythms and cognitive operations. This can subsequently increase the reaction time, decrease alertness and judgment, and significantly reduce operational effectiveness ( Ma et al, 2020 ; Kerkamm et al, 2021 ). P300 latency can reflect the fatigue status in diseases such as multiple sclerosis ( Chinnadurai et al, 2016 ), chronic fatigue syndrome ( Dziadkowiak et al, 2015 ), and Parkinson’s disease ( Pauletti et al, 2019 ).…”

The Conditional Probability for Human Error Caused by Fatigue, Stress and Anxiety in Seafaring

“…For instance, an officer remains an officer both during his/her service and free time. Psychological theories claim 2 of 18 that, in order to preserve mental health, it is necessary to change the role after some time, but this is not possible on board and can lead to frustration [1][2][3][4].…”

“…In a work rhythm such as the on-board watchkeeping rota system 6:6 and 4:8, the capacity for the organism recovery and sleep are intermittent and often insufficient. When working at night in the watch system 6:6 (from midnight to 6 a.m.) and 4:8 (from midnight to 4 a.m.), the seafarers experience increased sleepiness and the sleep episodes are shorter [2,3].…”

“…Accidents prove that human error in maritime, road or air traffic may have very serious and long-term effects, ranging from the loss of human life to environmental threat. The research studies attempt to define all the factors and their combinations that affect the accident possibility [1][2][3][4]. The marine system is a human-based system, and human errors play an important role in accidents and casualties as well [5,6].…”