Effects of an alternating work shift on air traffic controllers and the relationship with excessive daytime sleepiness and stress.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate symptoms of stress and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in air traffic control (ATC) officers in Brazil.

METHODS

Fifty-two ATC officers participated, based at three air traffic control units, identified as A, B and C. Stress symptoms were assessed using the Lipp Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults, and EDS by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

RESULTS

The sample mean age was 37 years, 76.9% of whom were male. Excessive daytime sleepiness was identified in 25% of the ATC officers, with 84.6% of these based at air traffic control unit A, which has greater air traffic flow, operating a 24-hour alternating work shift schedule. A total of 16% of the ATC officers had stress symptoms, and of these, 62% showed a predominance of physical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The high percentage of ATC officers with EDS identified in group A may be related to chronodisruption due to night work and alternating shifts.