title: The Case for Addressing Operator Fatigue.
abstract: Sleep deficiency, which can be caused by acute sleep deprivation, chronic insufficient sleep, untreated sleep disorders, disruption of circadian timing, and other factors, is endemic in the U.S., including among professional and non-professional drivers and operators. Vigilance and attention are critical for safe transportation operations, but fatigue and sleepiness compromise vigilance and attention by slowing reaction times and impairing judgment and decision-making abilities. Research studies, polls, and accident investigations indicate that many Americans drive a motor vehicle or operate an aircraft, train or marine vessel while drowsy, putting themselves and others at risk for error and accident. In this chapter, we will outline some of the factors that contribute to sleepiness, present evidence from laboratory and field studies demonstrating how sleepiness impacts transportation safety, review how sleepiness is measured in laboratory and field settings, describe what is known about interventions for sleepiness in transportation settings, and summarize what we believe are important gaps in our knowledge of sleepiness and transportation safety.
authors.affiliation: Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
authors.forename: Jeanne F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Duffy
authors.affiliation: Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
authors.forename: Kirsi-Marja
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Zitting
authors.affiliation: Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Czeisler
keywords: Biological rhythm, circadian; drowsiness; fatigue; homeostatic sleep-wake regulation; hours of work; individual differences; sleep inertia; sleep-wake propensity