Maryam Maghsoudipour1,2, Ramin Moradi3, Sara Moghimi4, Sonia Ancoli-Israel5, Pamela N DeYoung6, Atul Malhotra6. 1. Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. mamaghsoudipour@health.ucsd.edu. 2. Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. mamaghsoudipour@health.ucsd.edu. 3. Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 4. Department of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. 5. Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. 6. Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Optimal cognitive performance might prevent vehicle accidents. Identifying time-related circadian and homeostatic parameters having an impact on cognitive performance of drivers may be crucial to optimize drivers' performance. METHODS: In this prospective study conducted on bus drivers, two drivers alternated driving during a 24-h round trip and were accompanied by an interviewer. Each driver was tested using Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and the reversed digit span Wechsler Working Memory test before the start of his shift and then every 6 h during a "work/driving" day. Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) was assessed before and after the journey. Linear mixed model was used to explore the factors affecting cognitive performance and sleepiness in univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Among 35 bus drivers, the effect of time of day on working memories was statistically significant (p = 0.001), with the lowest working memory scores at 04:00 am (± 1). The highest score of subjective sleepiness was also at 04:00 am (± 1). The time on task parameter affected sleepiness significantly (p = 0.024) and sleepiness was significantly associated with decreased working memory. Psychomotor Vigilance Task reaction time mean and the number of minor lapses were significantly increased after the journey, which suggested decreased vigilance. In multivariable analysis, a longer interval between the beginning of working hours and testing time (B (95% CI) = 15.25 (0.49 to 30), p = 0.043) was associated with higher (i.e., slower) PVT reaction time mean. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that optimizing bus drivers' working schedules may improve drivers' sleepiness and cognitive performance and thus increase road safety.
PURPOSE: Optimal cognitive performance might prevent vehicle accidents. Identifying time-related circadian and homeostatic parameters having an impact on cognitive performance of drivers may be crucial to optimize drivers' performance. METHODS: In this prospective study conducted on bus drivers, two drivers alternated driving during a 24-h round trip and were accompanied by an interviewer. Each driver was tested using Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and the reversed digit span Wechsler Working Memory test before the start of his shift and then every 6 h during a "work/driving" day. Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) was assessed before and after the journey. Linear mixed model was used to explore the factors affecting cognitive performance and sleepiness in univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Among 35 bus drivers, the effect of time of day on working memories was statistically significant (p = 0.001), with the lowest working memory scores at 04:00 am (± 1). The highest score of subjective sleepiness was also at 04:00 am (± 1). The time on task parameter affected sleepiness significantly (p = 0.024) and sleepiness was significantly associated with decreased working memory. Psychomotor Vigilance Task reaction time mean and the number of minor lapses were significantly increased after the journey, which suggested decreased vigilance. In multivariable analysis, a longer interval between the beginning of working hours and testing time (B (95% CI) = 15.25 (0.49 to 30), p = 0.043) was associated with higher (i.e., slower) PVT reaction time mean. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that optimizing bus drivers' working schedules may improve drivers' sleepiness and cognitive performance and thus increase road safety.
Authors: Thomas J Balkin; Allen R Braun; Nancy J Wesensten; Keith Jeffries; Mary Varga; Paul Baldwin; Gregory Belenky; Peter Herscovitch Journal: Brain Date: 2002-10 Impact factor: 13.501
Authors: Maria R Bonsignore; Winfried Randerath; Sofia Schiza; Johan Verbraecken; Mark W Elliott; Renata Riha; Ferran Barbe; Izolde Bouloukaki; Alessandra Castrogiovanni; Oana Deleanu; Marta Goncalves; Damien Leger; Oreste Marrone; Thomas Penzel; Silke Ryan; Dan Smyth; Joaquin Teran-Santos; Cecilia Turino; Walter T McNicholas Journal: Eur Respir J Date: 2021-02-25 Impact factor: 16.671