Investigation of sleep quality in pilots

Objective To investigate sleep quality in pilots, so as to put forward suggestion on their health maintenance. Methods The sleep quality of military pilots of different age groups and different types of aircraft was evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI). The relation between SQ and age, as well as type of aircraft was analyzed. Results The average score of PSQI in this group of pilots was 5.17±3.17; 18.10% of pilots had sleep problem(PSQI7). The differences among pilots of various type of aircraft were nonsignificant, but significant differences of score of PSQI as well as sleep duration and habitual sleep efficiency were found among 3 age groups( P 0.01 ). The elder the age, the higher the scores. Conclusion Attention should be paid to sleep quality of pilots, especially the elder ones. Measures should be taken for pilots with sleep quality problem to enhance their health maintenance and ensure flight safty.