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Crew factors in flight operations 9: Effects of planned cockpit rest on crew performance and alertness in long-haul operationsThis study examined the effectiveness of a planned cockpit rest period to improve alertness and performance in long-haul flight operations. The Rest Group (12 crew members) was allowed a planned 40 minute rest period during the low workload, cruise portion of the flight, while the No-Rest Group (9 crew members) had a 40 minute planned control period when they maintained usual flight activities. Measures used in the study included continuous ambulatory recordings of brain wave and eye movement activity, a reaction time/vigilance task, a wrist activity monitor, in-flight fatigue and alertness ratings, a daily log for noting sleep periods, meals, exercise, flight and duty periods, and the NASA Background Questionnaire. The Rest Group pilots slept on 93 percent of the opportunities, falling asleep in 5.6 minutes and sleeping for 25.8 minutes. This nap was associated with improved physiological alertness and performance compared to the No-Rest Group. The benefits of the nap were observed through the critical descent and landing phases of flight. The nap did not affect layover sleep or the cumulative sleep debt. The nap procedures were implemented with minimal disruption to usual flight operations and there were no reported or identified concerns regarding safety.
Document ID
19950006379
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Rosekind, Mark R.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Graeber, R. Curtis
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Dinges, David F.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Connell, Linda J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Rountree, Michael S.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Spinweber, Cheryl L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Gillen, Kelly A.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1994
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Report/Patent Number
DOT/FAA/92/24
A-94134
NAS 1.15:108839
NASA-TM-108839
Accession Number
95N12792
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 505-64-53
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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