An Analysis of the Effectiveness of a New Watchstanding Schedule for U.S. Submariners
Abstract
A need exists within the U.S. submarine force to employ an operational schedule that provides more sleep and that is in better alignment with human circadian rhythms, thus improving cognitive effectiveness. This study compares an experimental watchstanding schedule derived at Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL) with the schedule currently used onboard the submarine USS HENRY M. JACKSON (SSBN 730 GOLD). As part of the final stage of a larger effort, it is designed to determine if the new watchstanding schedule can significantly improve circadian physiology performance and submariner perceptions of their ability to perform their jobs while on board operational submarines. NSMRL's three-part project was designed to study the following: (1) approximately 350 surveys that assessed sleep quality and fatigue on active duty submariners, (2) a laboratory analysis of three separate and distinct watchstanding schedules on submariner physiology and performance, and (3) at-sea trials in support of laboratory findings. The study reviews pertinent literature on sleep deprivation and shift work to emphasize important concepts needed to make schedule comparisons. Results of this study demonstrate that there were no significant improvements in either cognitive effectiveness or daily sleep while on the new schedule. Also, a majority of the crew members did not like the new schedule, which attempted to compress watch periods together to widen periods for contiguous sleep. These results, taken together, demonstrate that the new schedule is not compatible with an operational submarine environment. Recommendations address the need for the U.S. submarine force to continue to pursue a watchstanding schedule that provides better sleep while still accommodating operational constraints. Recommendations also address improvements in experiment implementation that can be integrated into future studies. (13 tables, 23 figures, 32 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA427686
Entities
People
- Christopher M. Osborn
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School