Sleep Logistics as a Force Multiplier: An Analysis of Reported Fatigue Factors From Southwest Asia Warfighters

Abstract

Approved for public release, distribution unlimited THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK i REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 12a. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENTApproved for public release, distribution unlimited 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE ABSTRACTThe purpose of this thesis is to analyze data related to sleep patterns of warfighters deployed to the Southwest Asia (SWA) Area of Operation.To this end, we collected subjective survey data from warfighters operating in Iraq and Kuwait from 25 August -15 October 2003 (n = 273). Participants were asked about unit-level sleep planning, sleep/wake patterns, and lifestyle factors.Using the survey results, we are able to gain insight regarding the four primary research questions: 1) Is sleep deprivation a significant problem for forces in the SWA region; 2) Do current sleep logistics support a unit's ability to accomplish assigned missions; 3) Are there differences in sleep patterns between subset populations; and 4) Does the current survey method support the research objectives. To address these questions, we used analysis techniques such as principal components analysis, factor analysis, and parametric and nonparametric hypothesis testing.We tested the reliability of the subjective survey results by comparing self-reported survey data with actigraphy data corresponding to the same time period (n = 34 paired observations). This thesis also provides insight regarding the use of sleep logistics as a force multiplier during continuous/sustained operations by discussing known fatigue countermeasures and their role in improving individual and unit performance effectiveness. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of NUMBER OF PAGES 229 SUBJECT TERMS MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OPERATIONS RESEARCHfrom the NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL September 2004Author: Shaun W. Doheney

Sleep and Fatigue Issues in Continuous Operations: A Survey of U.S. Army Officers

“…Yet, this result is in keeping with results from other studies conducted in Southwest Asia, which reported sleep issues in U.S. Anny and Marine Aviation units (Doheney, 2004;Miller, Shattuck, & Matsangas, 2006). (For a review of fatigue in military operational environments, refer to Miller, Matsangas, & Shattuck, 2008.…”

“…The majority of participants in this survey were junior leaders (i.e., platoon leaders, company commanders, or staff officers at the company or battalion level): If they did not receive briefings on sleep management planning, it is likely they did not give such briefings to the soldiers for whom they were responsible. The findings from this survey indicate that this figure has dropped even lower than that reported by Doheney (2004), pointing to the possibility that commanders address sleep management issues even less now than at the beginning of the Global War on Terror. In many units, even the most basic sleep and fatigue management practices (e.g., encouraging napping or designating dark and quiet places to sleep) were not implemented.…”

It's been a hard day's night: A diary study on hardiness and reduced sleep quality among naval sailors

“…The available evidence indicates that military training and service do indeed tax sleep, and studies of sleep in modern military campaigns have found that disturbed sleep and sleep deprivation are relatively commonplace (Miller et al, 2011). The results of a survey of 273 American soldiers deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom showed that sleep deprivation was a common occurrence (Doheney, 2004), and between 73% and 83% of the soldiers showed moderate symptoms of sleep deprivation, and 14% to 23% showed significant symptoms of sleep deprivation. That study concluded that the soldiers who had a plan for sleep and rest maintained better operational capability.…”