Sleep-Wake Pattern, Social Jetlag, and Daytime Sleepiness among Rotating Shift Air Traffic Controllers

This study aimed to investigate the sleep-wake patterns, social jetlag (SJL), and daytime sleepiness (DS) among air traffic controllers (ATCs) with rotating shifts. A total of 133 shift-rotating ATCs participated by completing self-report questionnaires regarding their sleep-wake patterns and DS. SJL, indicating the mid-sleep difference between workdays (W) and free days (F), was calculated for each shift. Night-shift workdays had the shortest sleep duration (SD) (5.28 hours), whereas free days following day shifts had the longest SD (6.66 hours). SJL for day and night shifts was 2.73 and 2.71 hours, respectively. The average DS score was 7.92 out of 24, with a 28.6% prevalence of DS. There was a negative correlation between SD following day shifts and SJL for the day shifts. Given these findings, it is recommended to implement effective interventions and work schedules to maintain consistent sleep patterns and minimize social jetlag to address sleep issues for shift-working ATCs.