Working hours associated with unintentional sleep at work among airline pilots

Abstract

OBJECTIVETto identify factors associated with unintentional sleep at work of airline pilots.METHODSThis is a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted with 1,235 Brazilian airline pilots, who work national or international flights. Data collection has been performed online. We carried out a bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis, having as dependent variable unintentional sleep at work. The independent variables were related to biodemographic data, characteristics of the work, lifestyle, and aspects of sleep.RESULTSThe prevalence of unintentional sleep while flying the airplane was 57.8%. The factors associated with unintentional sleep at work were: flying for more than 65 hours a month, frequent technical delays, greater need for recovery after work, work ability below optimal, insufficient sleep, and excessive sleepiness.CONCLUSIONSThe occurrence of unintentional sleep at work of airline pilots is associated with factors related to the organization of the work and health.

Aspects of work and sleep associated with work ability in regular aviation pilots

“…Sleep deprivation increases the possibility of unintentional naps during the flight 13 , and one of the factors that lead to this greater sleep deprivation is the reversal of the sleep-wake cycle because of exposure to work in irregular shifts 7 , 11 , 20 , 23 . As verified, perception of insufficient sleep increased by almost 30% the prevalence of moderate or low work ability.…”

“…According to Melo and Neto 14 , sleep deprivation in pilots is a reflection of irregular workdays. It is known that sleep restriction for a prolonged time can cause fatigue, leading to decreased level of alert and increased irritability, among other negative effects 13 , 15 , 20 , 22 . Fatigue was also one of the factors associated with moderate or low work ability.…”

Aspects of work organization and reduced sleep quality of airline pilots

“…- Demographic data 1 (gender, age, education, marital status, children under 12 years old),- Work-related aspects 1 (frequency of operational flight delays, commuting time between hotel and airport, difficulty commuting between residence and airport, start times on day and night shifts, finish times on afternoon and night shifts, years working night shifts, maximum number of consecutive work days and nights, flight hours per month),- Sleep (sleep duration after day and night work, and on days off) - based on a question adapted from the Karolinska questionnaire 11 ,- Health (need for recovery after work 12 - alfa de Cronbach 0,81), time engaged physical activity per week and self-perceived 13 , diurnal preference - based on a question adapted from the Karolinska questionnaire 11 .…”

“…The profession of a commercial aviation pilot requires rigorous physical and psychological aptitude, involving the ability to work under a high level of responsibility, concentration, pressure for fast-decision making and adapting to operational changes 1 . Working conditions, such as irregular schedules, long work hours and working in different time zones, can cause exhaustion and permanent fatigue 2 , 3 , leading to insufficient sleep and greater need for recovery after work 4 .…”

Fatigue at Work: Scale Validation with Airline Pilots

“…Working hours were longest during the day shift (typically with early starts before 6 a.m.), followed by the afternoon shift (with late finishes after 10 p.m.) and night shifts (usually starting before 10 p.m.). Finally, regarding working conditions potentially associated with increased fatigue, main factors reported by pilots were long working hours, number of flying hours, short rest periods between work shifts, and working night shifts (Marqueze, Nicola, Diniz, & Fischer, 2017).…”