Effects of quick rotating shift schedules on the health and adjustment of air traffic controllers

Introduction: Many Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCSs) in the United St ales work shift schedules that involve counterclockwise rapid rotations. Re searchers have reported negative health effects associated with shiftwork, suggesting that workers on rotating shift schedules suffer the greatest con sequences. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of health, sl eep, and shiftwork adaptation problems experienced by ATCSs. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that shiftwork-related problems would be identified. Meth ods: A total of 210 ATCSs completed a modified version of the National Inst itute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) General Health and Adjustm ent questionnaire (25). The questionnaire included a broad range of health, sleep, job, and lifestyle questions. Health and sleep pattern index scores were computed for this paper. Comparisons were conducted based on the foll owing shift characteristics: length of shift (8- vs. 9-h), number of early morning shifts, number of midnight shifts, and schedule preference. Results : Over half of the sample in this study reported periods of severe fatigue or exhaustion and symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbance typically found among shift workers. Better health and sleep pattern index scores were repo rted by those who preferred rotating schedules and by those who did not wor k night shifts. Discussion: The ATCSs in this sample were relatively young and are required to pass a yearly physical to maintain employment. Thus, th is may have resulted in low frequencies of reported medical problems. Howev er, reports of sleepiness, fatigue, and falling asleep seem to indicate tha t countermeasures for sleepiness at work and on the drive home could benefi t ATCSs.