Sleep and alertness of crew in international aviation

Similar to other shift working industries, the demands of commercial aviation often require irregular and extended duty periods, night work and early morning start times. These work schedules are associated with misalignment of the sleep/wake cycle from the endogenous circadian pacemaker, reduced duration and quality of sleep, and subsequent fatigue. For international flight and cabin crew, the shift work-related circadian misalignment is exacerbated by rapid multiple time zone transitions. Rest limits during flight duty, augmented flight crew requirements and in-flight crew rest facilities provide the opportunity for sleep during the cruise phase of long-haul flights. Sleep during flight has been shown to alleviate fatigue-related symptoms and improve alertness and performance throughout the flight duty period, including the critical phases of descent and landing. This program of research works to understand the impact of future extended flight duty on the sleep and alertness of international flight and cabin crew. Aims include: • Examine the sleep and alertness of flight and cabin crew during extended flight duty • Implement recommendations for crew sleep to optimise alertness during extended duty • Assess the impact of circadian phase on crew sleep and alertness during extended flight duty • Compare objective measures of alertness against model-based predictions We are seeking expressions of interest from passionate PhD applicants to join our motivated research team. Top-up scholarships may be available to successful applicants who receive an RTP or equivalent scholarship. PhD thesis topics will be planned collaboratively by the candidate and supervisory team. For questions or applications, please contact Assoc Prof Tracey Sletten (tracey.sletten@monash.edu). To apply, please send a brief cover letter, CV with academic referees, academic transcript and a sample of writing.