Page:Risk of performance errors due to sleep loss, circadian desynchronization, fatigue, and work overload.pdf/5

Human Health and Performance Risks of Space Exploration Missions significant health issues and performance errors, which, in turn, can cause increased incidents of injuries, accidents, or death (Barger et al., 2006; Goode, 2003).

In light of the negative health and performance consequences that are associated with sleep, fatigue, circadian, and workload issues, the duration and quality of sleep among astronauts and ground crews is of concern to the designers of current NASA operations and the NASA Constellation Program. The consequences of human system risks for Constellation missions include loss of mission objectives as well as increased health risk during the mission or post-flight. Research addressing sleep quality and the circadian system endeavors to minimize these risks.

The NASA HRP BHP Element (http://humanresearch.jsc.nasa.gov/about.asp) aims to further characterize the risk of performance errors due to sleep loss, fatigue, circadian desynchronization, and work overload in preparation for Exploration missions to the moon and Mars. Operationally relevant monitoring technologies that detect sleep quantity and quality, and individualized countermeasures that prevent or mitigate the risk in long-duration isolated environments, will equip crews for optimal behavioral health and performance. Focused laboratory and ground analog studies as well as space flight studies will provide valuable insights into developing these technologies and countermeasures. The NASA HRP BHP Element is tasked with managing three risks. These are the risk of: (1) performance errors due to sleep loss, circadian desynchronization, fatigue, and work overload; (2) performance errors due to poor team cohesion and performance, inadequate selection/team composition, inadequate training, and poor psychosocial adaptation; and (3) behavioral and psychiatric conditions. As each of these risks is addressed in a separate evidence report chapter, they should not be construed to exist independently of one another but, rather, should be evaluated in conjunction with the other. Furthermore, the BHP risks overlap with the risks in other HRP Elements and, as such, must also be considered in conjunction with these other risks (see figure 3-1 for an example of these possible overlaps).

The relationships of BHP with the other Elements are further outlined in the HRP IRP, which can be found at http://humanresearch.jsc.nasa.gov/about.asp. The nature of the IRP implies that BHP is continually reviewing and updating integration points with other Elements. Current research efforts are under way through collaborative efforts with the Exploration Medical Capabilities (ExMC) Element, Human Health and Countermeasures (HHC) Element, as well as the SHFH Element. While current research is designed to address identified gaps, it will be necessary to update and revise each of the BHP Evidence Reports as the Element gaps are closed and new gaps emerge. Such information will also inform the human system risk mitigation and assessment strategy of the NASA JSC Space Life Sciences Directorate.

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