Sleep Logistics as a Force Multiplier : An Analysis of Reported Fatigue Factors from Southwest Asia Warfighters

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze data related to sleep patterns of warfighters deployed to the Southwest Asia (SWA) Area of Operation. To this end, we collected subjective survey data from warfighters operating in Iraq and Kuwait from 25 August - 15 October 2003 (n = 273). Participants were asked about unit-level sleep planning, sleep/wake patterns, and lifestyle factors. Using the survey results, we are able to gain insight regarding the four primary research questions: 1) Is sleep deprivation a significant problem for forces in the SWA region; 2) Do current sleep logistics support a unit s ability to accomplish assigned missions; 3) Are there differences in sleep patterns between subset populations; and 4) Does the current survey method support the research objectives. To address these questions, we used analysis techniques such as principal components analysis, factor analysis, and parametric and nonparametric hypothesis testing. We tested the reliability of the subjective survey results by comparing self-reported survey data with actigraphy data corresponding to the same time period (n = 34 paired observations). This thesis also provides insight regarding the use of sleep logistics as a force multiplier during continuous/sustained operations by discussing known fatigue countermeasures and their role in improving individual and unit performance effectiveness.Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA is the author of 'Sleep Logistics as a Force Multiplier : An Analysis of Reported Fatigue Factors from Southwest Asia Warfighters', published 2004 under ISBN 9781423522119 and ISBN 1423522117.