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The Effects of Individual Characteristics of the Naval Personnel on Sleepiness and Stress during Two Different Watchkeeping Schedules

Author

Listed:
  • Mikko Myllylä

    (Centre for Military Medicine, The Finnish Defence Forces, 20241 Turku, Finland
    Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland)

  • Heikki Kyröläinen

    (Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
    Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, 00861 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Tommi Ojanen

    (Human Performance Division, Finnish Defence Research Agency, The Finnish Defence Forces, 04310 Tuusula, Finland)

  • Juha-Petri Ruohola

    (The Navy Command Finland, The Finnish Defence Forces, 20811 Turku, Finland)

  • Olli J. Heinonen

    (Paavo Nurmi Centre & Unit of Health and Physical Activity, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland)

  • Petteri Simola

    (Human Performance Division, Finnish Defence Research Agency, The Finnish Defence Forces, 04310 Tuusula, Finland)

  • Tero Vahlberg

    (Department of Biostatistics, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland)

  • Kai I. Parkkola

    (Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy, National Defence University, 00861 Helsinki, Finland
    Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland)

Abstract

Background: Naval service can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of seafarers, and the operation of warships is highly dependent on the personnel on board. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the impact of seafarers’ individual characteristics on their wellbeing in a naval environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate individual characteristics of the naval personnel that may be associated with the amount of sleepiness, fatigue and stress responses experienced during shift work and irregular working hours in a naval environment. Methods: The study took place on a Finnish Defence Forces’ Navy missile patrol boat on which 18 crewmembers served as study participants. The measurement periods lasted two separate weeks (seven days and six nights) during shift work with two different watchkeeping systems (4:4, 4:4/6:6). The onboard measurements consisted of the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, salivary stress hormones, cognitive tests (Sustained Attention to Response Task and N-back Task) and heart rate variability. Results: Participants of older ages or with a longer history in naval service were associated with a greater amount of sleepiness, fatigue and stress responses on board. On the contrary, increased physical activity and a higher level of physical fitness, especially standing long jump, were associated with a lower amount of sleepiness, fatigue and fewer stress responses. In addition, an athletic body composition together with a healthy lifestyle may be beneficial, considering the stress responses on board. Conclusion: The present results are well in line with the previous literature regarding shift work and irregular working hours. The results highlight the importance of regular physical activity and good physical fitness during service in the naval environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Mikko Myllylä & Heikki Kyröläinen & Tommi Ojanen & Juha-Petri Ruohola & Olli J. Heinonen & Petteri Simola & Tero Vahlberg & Kai I. Parkkola, 2022. "The Effects of Individual Characteristics of the Naval Personnel on Sleepiness and Stress during Two Different Watchkeeping Schedules," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13451-:d:945533
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marcus Oldenburg & Hans-Joachim Jensen & Ute Latza & Xaver Baur, 2009. "Seafaring stressors aboard merchant and passenger ships," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 54(2), pages 96-105, April.
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