RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
For the past two years, the 359th Aerospace Medicine Squadron has offered classes to illustrate fatigue countermeasures in order to assist Randolph personnel with better sleeping habits. Now they've partnered with the Health and Wellness Center to offer classes every second Thursday of the month.
The class teaches about general sleep and fatigue, specific sleep disorders people may have but not be able to readily identify on their own, and techniques the average person can employ to aid in sleep.
"We tend to pile on stress from our responsibilities and that makes it difficult for each of us to get good sleep," said 1st Lt. Shannon Scannon, 359th AMDS, Logistics Element Chief, Aerospace and Operational Physiology. "We think there isn't enough time in the day to get everything done so our sleep suffers. We also may not take the time to decompress from the day so we can relax and get a good night's sleep."
Sleep loss can accumulate over time and a person can reach unhealthy levels of fatigue.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said shift and night workers often are tired and sleepy because of how their work schedules force them to deviate from natural biological rhythms, also known as circadian rhythm. Being unnecessarily tired makes it difficult to concentrate, which increase the possibility of mistakes. The stress of shift work also can exasperate health conditions, such as heart disease or digestive disorders.
"It can affect our performance, mentally and physically. We can develop many issues that can affect our quality of life," said Airman 1st Class Kristin Coffey, 359th AMDS Aerospace Physiology Technician. "It also affects our lives with family and work. We tend to be more irritable, have bad communication or cause accidents. Being sleep deprived can be harmful to you and those around you."
Class participants need to bring an open mind and willingness to change habits that affect your sleep, Lt. Scannon said.
"Don't be afraid to ask for help," said Lt. Scannon. "A lot of times we think we can make up for our lack of sleep on the weekends or that the lack of sleep isn't really affecting our job performance. However, quality sleep is necessary every night for optimum job performance.
To help Randolph Airmen - active- duty and civilian -- the class teaches simple practices they can use to prevent fatigue, such as having a routine before going to bed and creating a proper sleep environment.
In addition to getting proper rest, the classes examine things like exercise, which is a good way to help keep the mind and body in balance, and the effect stress has on the body .
"We will teach you everything from eating and exercise habits that can enhance sleep to how to set the configuration of your bedroom, to make you more relaxed," said Lt. Scannon. "There are things that many people are not aware of that affect your quality of sleep."
The class is held at the HAWC at noon in order to cater to work schedules, she said.
"If you have troubles getting to sleep and staying asleep this class is for you, said Amn Coffey. "Even if you just have trouble falling asleep sometimes, it is still beneficial to learn why it happens and what you can do to fix it ".