The effects of reversing sleep-wake cycles on mood states, sleep, and fatigue on the crew of the USS John C. Stennis

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of reversing sleep-wake cycles on mood, sleep, and fatigue of the crewmembers and Air Wing 9 of the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74). It also reviews the research conducted in sleep deprivation, circadian rhythms, shiftwork, fatigue, and mood. The effects of reversing sleep-wake cycle on mood of the crewmembers were analyzed by assessing a repeated administration of the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Mood states were monitored at three time points associated with the current work schedule (night shift vs. day shift) of the crewmembers. The results showed that younger participants were angrier than older participants on night shiftwork. The results also indicated that there was a significant interaction between repeated measures of mood states and gender. In addition, female participants reported significantly higher mood scale scores than the male participants, and topside participants were getting significantly less sleep than belowdecks participants. Given these findings, this area of research warrants further exploration. There is a significant need to educate military personnel of the effects of sleep deprivation and shiftwork on their job performance and individual health and safety.