The effects of Sopite Syndrome on self-paced airsickness desensitization program

Abstract

The U. S. Navy implemented the Self-Paced Airsickness Desensitization (SPAD) program in 1989 for aviation students whose incidence of airsickness was not easily resolved. Some participants may have also experienced symptoms that are not typically recognized as motion sickness, including prolonged drowsiness and/or mood changes. These effects are part of a poorly understood response to motion termed "Sopite Syndrome." This thesis explores the effects of Sopite Syndrome on student aviators diagnosed with motion sickness. Sixty SPAD program participants completed a survey comprised of scales, which estimate motion sickness, drowsiness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances during SPAD treatment days. Results indicate: (1) symptoms consistent of Sopite Syndrome were reported by 45% of the participants and (2) the presence of Sopite Syndrome in a SPAD participant was not an accurate predictor for successful treatment and return to flight status