Layover start timing predicts layover sleep quantity and timing on long-range and ultra-long-range trips.

ABSTRACT:

Study objectives

Airline transport pilot sleep during layover is an important factor for alertness on subsequent flights. Assessing pilots' sleep on layover is an important first step in helping them obtain the most recuperative sleep possible on layover. Here, we investigate the quantity and timing of sleep during layovers and determine predictors for layover sleep.

Methods

Sleep was assessed in 256 pilots flying a total of 473 long-range (LR; flight time 12-16 hours) or ultra-long-range (ULR; flight time > 16 hours) trips. Sleep was assessed using actigraphy. We employed linear mixed-effects models with layover sleep characteristics as the outcomes. The predictor variables included operational factors and sleep history.

Results

Overall, pilots averaged 7.2 ho

SUBMITTER: Rempe MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11879054 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature