Risk of Performance Errors Due to Fatigue Resulting from Sleep Loss, Circadian Desynchronization, Extended Wakefulness, and Work Overload: Record 21 (MRL No. 13, Sleep)-BASELINE

摘要

Fatigue resulting from sleep loss, circadian desynchronization, extended wakefulness and work overload occur to some extent for ground and flight crews, prior to and during spaceflight missions. Ground evidence indicates that fatigue, as experienced by ground and flight crews, may lead to performance errors, which could potentially compromise mission objectives, and consequently the mission itself. Efforts are needed to identify the environmental and mission conditions that interfere with sleep quality, as well as individual vulnerabilities to sleep loss and circadian desynchronization. Research areas to mitigate this risk may also include: development of a self-assessment tool for cognitive function and fatigue; light therapy for phase shifting, alertness and mood disorders; individualized protocols for sleep-wake medication use; sleep dose-response recovery curves and individualized models for countermeasure implementation and optimal work-rest schedules; and other evidence-based means to improve individual sleep quality and reduce fatigue.