ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF A LIGHT INTERVENTION ON SLEEP QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF PENTAGON WATCHSTANDERS
Authors
Ramage, John L.
Subjects
sleep
shiftwork
light
circadian entrainment
rotating schedule
watchfloor
performance
fatigue
cognitive function
shiftwork
light
circadian entrainment
rotating schedule
watchfloor
performance
fatigue
cognitive function
Advisors
Shattuck, Nita L.
Date of Issue
2023-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Around the world, watchfloors provide information, intelligence, and technical support to operational commands 24 hours a day. Watchstanders often work long shifts surpassing full time 40-hour work weeks, which include night and weekend shifts. Shiftwork has been associated with a decreased amount of sleep in both quantity and quality, which leads to exhaustion and compromised cognitive function. Exposure to high energy visible (HEV) light at appropriate times has the potential to shift the body’s circadian rhythm to align faster to a new shift schedule. Adjusting to shifting work hours quicker could lead to less sleep loss, enhanced sleep quality, and less severe levels of fatigue. This study aims to assess the impact and potential benefits of intentionally introducing HEV light when watchstanders on a shore-based watchfloor are transitioning to a different work shift. The study will consider how the strategic application of HEV light affects circadian entrainment, thereby impacting sleep, performance, mood, and sleepiness. This work will inform recommendations to other shore-based watchfloors at the Pentagon that require non-traditional work schedules to support watchstanding operations.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Operations Research (OR)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Naval Medical Research Center – Advanced Medical Development Program Silver Spring, MD 20910
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.