Minuteman Missile Crew Fatigue and 24-Hour Alerts.

摘要

A battery of psychobiological measures was used to evaluate the degree of fatigue experienced by missile crews performing 24-hour continuous duty alert tours at Minuteman launch control centers. Operationally significant findings relative to the duty schedule occurred for subjective fatigue scores, hours slept per day, and urinary outputs of 17-OHCS, sodium, and potassium. The moderate postalert fatigue and physiologic cost present at the end of the 24-hour alerts were ameliorated by one night of undisturbed sleep. Values indicative of severe crew fatigue or stress were never attained for any of the measures. A buildup of cumulative fatigue over several alerts could be avoided by scheduling a minimum of two consecutive nights sleep at home between alerts. The impact of the duty schedule on contingency and emergency situations was also considered. (Author)