Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue in Brazilian Air Traffic Controllers

To evaluate stressing work conditions, sleep disturbances and circadian typology on sleep-wake behavior in air traffic controllers (ATC), 30 male ATC, (aged 32,5 +/- 7,7 years) with 11+8 years of shift-work experience were investigated using questionnaires about work, sleeping habits and patterns and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESE). Ninety three per cent of ATC were unsatisfied with the work time schedule. Factors of dissatisfaction: fatigue 97%, workload 93%, stress 90%, night working 87%, tiredness 83%, concentration difficulty 70% and sleepiness 67% (63% had an ESE score >10). Insormia 53%, periodic leg movement 50%, nightmares 43%, sleeping talking 43% and sleep apnea 30%, were the most frequents sleep disturbance. Inadequate hygiene sleep habits were common among ATC. In conclusion, work time schedules, morning and nigh shift, work load, stress, tiredness, fatigue, sleepiness and low concentration are factors of dissatisfaction at work. ATC have a disturbed sleep. The sleepiness and fatigue can be attributed to the shift work, sleep deprivation, sleep disturbances and inadequate sleep hygiene.