Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports
FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-68/08
Title and Subtitle: Circadian rhythms and the effects of long-distance flights
Report Date: April 1968
Authors: Mohler SR, Dille JR, Gibbons HL
Abstract: Air travelers crossing four or more time zones experience significant desynchronization of certain daily biologic rhythms. Until rephasing of the rhythms occurs relative to the solar cycle at the destination, some subjective discomfort and disruption of psychophysiologic responses can occur. This paper reviews research on diurnal rhythms, discusses the implications for aircrew and passengers, and makes recommendations for reducing the effects of time zone displacements.
Key Words: Biological rhythms, aviation personnel, air transportation, psychophysiology, diurnal variations, aviation medicine, time, corticosteroid agents, temperature, blood circulation, sleep, performance, metabolism, fatigue
No. of Pages: 8
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-68/08
Title and Subtitle: Circadian rhythms and the effects of long-distance flights
Report Date: April 1968
Authors: Mohler SR, Dille JR, Gibbons HL
Abstract: Air travelers crossing four or more time zones experience significant desynchronization of certain daily biologic rhythms. Until rephasing of the rhythms occurs relative to the solar cycle at the destination, some subjective discomfort and disruption of psychophysiologic responses can occur. This paper reviews research on diurnal rhythms, discusses the implications for aircrew and passengers, and makes recommendations for reducing the effects of time zone displacements.
Key Words: Biological rhythms, aviation personnel, air transportation, psychophysiology, diurnal variations, aviation medicine, time, corticosteroid agents, temperature, blood circulation, sleep, performance, metabolism, fatigue
No. of Pages: 8
Last updated: Friday, June 1, 2012