Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and obstructive sleep apnea risk among iranian commercial airline pilots

Introduction

Sufficient sleep is one of the most important factors in maintaining focus and attention in pilots. In this matched cross-sectional comparative study, the sleep status and related factors in commercial airline flight pilots were evaluated.

Methods

All pilots and the healthy sex- and age-matched controls who met the inclusion criteria and signed informed consent were included in the study. Information about sleep quality was collected using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index. The Epworth sleepiness scale assessed the subjective daytime sleepiness. The Stop-Bang sleep apnea questionnaire was a tool for the risk of obstructive sleep apnea screening.

Results

One hundred and seven airline pilots and 100 healthy control people were included in this study. The results showed that the risk of obstructive sleep apnea was significantly equal in pilot and control groups. The sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were significantly worse in the pilot group. In the pilot group, the marital status, sleep duration of 24 hours, education level, physical activity, and exercise correlated to sleep quality. The sleep apnea state was correlated to age, Body Mass Index, marital status, and morning headache. The flight hours and distances were correlated with at least one of the sleep questionnaires results. The regression model analysis showed that none of the independent variables had a significant effect on the probability of the Stop-Bang questionnaire and PSQI scores. But nine independent variables had a significant effect on the Epworth sleepiness scale.

Discussion

Among the Iranian commercial airline pilots, the risk of sleep apnea is not higher than those in the control group. Even though they are at higher risk of reducing sleep quality and increasing daytime sleepiness. Appropriate intervention on demographic factors and blood parameters improves pilots' sleep status.