A1 Journal article (refereed)
The Effects of Individual Characteristics of the Naval Personnel on Sleepiness and Stress during Two Different Watchkeeping Schedules (2022)
Myllylä, M., Kyröläinen, H., Ojanen, T., Ruohola, J.-P., Heinonen, O. J., Simola, P., Vahlberg, T., & Parkkola, K. I. (2022). The Effects of Individual Characteristics of the Naval Personnel on Sleepiness and Stress during Two Different Watchkeeping Schedules. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), Article 13451. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013451
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Myllylä, Mikko; Kyröläinen, Heikki; Ojanen, Tommi; Ruohola, Juha-Petri; Heinonen, Olli J.; Simola, Petteri; Vahlberg, Tero; Parkkola, Kai I.
Journal or series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
ISSN: 1661-7827
eISSN: 1660-4601
Publication year: 2022
Publication date: 18/10/2022
Volume: 19
Issue number: 20
Article number: 13451
Publisher: MDPI
Publication country: Switzerland
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013451
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/84216
Publication is parallel published: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9603121/
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.
Keywords: atypical work; shift work; work burden; fatigue (biological phenomena); stress (biological phenomena); physiological factors; individuality; naval forces; patrol boats
Free keywords: individual characteristics; individual factors; shift work; watchkeeping; irregular working hours; sleepiness; fatigue; stress; navy
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
JUFO rating: 1
