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Module 1, Assignment 1.6

College of Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

ASCI 604, Human Factor/ Aviation.

Professor: Glynn Breuer.

Bahri Mohammed

May ,2024
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Introduction:

In the aviation industry, where safety and efficiency are extremely important, the impact of

night shifts on decision-making and human productivity is a real challenge. Due to the nature of

international air travel, night shifts are common and require continuity of operations at multiple

locations. However, the human body follows a cyclical cycle of being awake during the day and

sleeping at night. This imbalance between natural circadian rhythms and the demands of night

shifts can cause mental and physical disorders. Studies have shown that working at night can

negatively affect cognitive abilities, resulting in decreased attention span, slower reaction time,

and increased errors. In aviation, where split-second decisions and high levels of concentration

are critical, these failures can be fatal. Pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance workers and

other workers who work at night are particularly vulnerable to these problems, which can reduce

safety and operational efficiency. Profitability in the aviation sector is greatly affected by the

night shift. Fatigue and cognitive decline can reduce performance and increase error rates,

affecting everything from flight operations to maintenance procedures. Given the critical nature

of aviation operations, understanding the impact of night shifts on productivity is critical to

maintaining high levels of safety and performance.

Research topic:

The impact of night shift work on human decision-making and productivity.

Research problem:

Night work is increasingly common in various industries such as healthcare, transportation

and manufacturing. However, there is increasing evidence that night work can have a significant

negative impact on both decision-making and productivity. These effects can lead to errors,

reduce efficiency and increase the risk of accidents, which have serious implications for human
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well-being and organizational performance. Understanding these effects is critical to developing

strategies to mitigate the negative effects of night shift work. Sleeping on the job is a necessary

reality for many night workers, but a new study suggests that instead of boosting energy, a night's

sleep may be putting workers at risk.

Sleep Apnea Research - The state you are in when you wake up - University of the South

calm me work night vision Phd candidate at the Australian Center for Sleep Research, Cassie

Hilditch is particularly important in safety-critical industries such as healthcare or the transport

sector, for night shift workers who have to come back from a break and work full time, (Roger

Hughes,2015). "Sleep inertia is a vague feeling that most people experience after waking up,

characterized by slow reaction times, poor judgment and impaired information processing," says

Hilditch. "It doesn't matter to people who get dressed in the morning, but for workers in the

aerospace, petrochemical, transportation and healthcare industries, post-sleep is essential to

workplace safety, (Roger Hughes,2015)." Hilditch's study found that a 30-minute nap during the

night shift produced prolonged sleep intensity and recovery times of up to 45 minutes. However,

a 10-minute nap during the night shift helped stabilize activity within an hour of waking,

although sleep inertia was low. Hilditch says her research shows how important it is for workers

to leave time between naps and work.

Research question:

What interventions can be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of night shift work

on decision-making and productivity?

Detailed Analysis:

Cognitive Performance and Decision Making Working the night shift can decrease

cognitive performance due to circadian rhythm disruption, which reduces alertness and slows
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reaction time. Studies have shown that night shift workers are more prone to cognitive errors and

have weaker problem-solving skills compared to day shift workers.

Productivity level in night shifts is often lower due to reduced efficiency and higher errors.

Different industries, such as healthcare and manufacturing, report varying impacts on

productivity, and critical sectors such as healthcare have serious consequences due to errors and

miscalculations. Also, circadian rhythms Night shift work significantly disrupts the circadian

rhythms that regulate sleep-wake cycles, (P, Krieg, 2015). This disorder affects the physiological

and psychological state of workers, resulting in reduced work capacity and decision-making

capacity.

Understanding the role of circadian rhythms is critical to identifying the mechanisms

underlying these diseases. Despite that, long-term effects Continuous night shift work can lead to

chronic health problems such as sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases and mental health

problems. These long-term effects further impair cognitive function and productivity,

exacerbating the negative effects of night shift work. In the other hand, Measures Several

measures can help mitigate the negative effects of night work. These include, Scheduled naps,

Short, scheduled naps during night shifts can help improve alertness and performance. Adjusting

the lighting. Exposure to bright light at night and minimal light exposure during the day can help

regulate circadian rhythms. Wellness programs, providing health and wellness programs related

to sleep hygiene, nutrition, and exercise can support night shifts. Flexible scheduling:

Implementing flexible shift schedules can help reduce the cumulative impact of night shift work

on health and performance.

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, effective strategies to mitigate these impacts include optimizing shift

schedules, incorporating scheduled naps, enhancing lighting conditions to support circadian

alignment, and promoting health and wellness programs. These interventions can help alleviate

fatigue, improve cognitive function, and maintain high productivity levels. While night shift

work is an inevitable aspect of aviation, its adverse effects on human decision-making and

productivity must be systematically addressed. By implementing evidence-based strategies and

fostering a culture that prioritizes the well-being of night shift workers, the aviation industry can

enhance safety, operational efficiency, and overall performance. Addressing these challenges is

not only crucial for the welfare of aviation professionals but also for ensuring the continued

reliability and safety of air travel. Addressing the impact of night shift work on decision-making

and productivity requires a holistic approach that considers physiological, psychological and

organizational factors. By understanding these effects and implementing effective measures,

organizations can improve the well-being and performance of night workers, ultimately

improving overall productivity and safety.

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Reference:

Aviation Human Factors Related Industry News 1Parts of this section are compiled from

“Aviation Human Factors Industry News” and reproduced with permission of Roger Hughes.

(2015). Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors, 5(1), 67–69.

https://doi.org/10.1027/2192-0923/a000077

Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors 2015; Vol. 5(1):67–69 DOI: 10.1027/2192-

0923/a000077. P, Krieg, 2015.