As aviators, pilots have demanding jobs that come with unique occupational health risks. Being aware of common challenges helps take a proactive approach to well-being. Here are some of the top issues pilots face and strategies for overcoming them.
Sleep Deprimentation
Irregular schedules and early starts combined with time zone changes can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythms over time (Kirk et al., 2013). To combat fatigue, pilots must prioritize quality sleep on their days off through habits like limiting screens before bed and darkening rooms. Strategic napping, caffeine, and exercising also boost alertness.
Physical Inactivity
Long periods sitting on flights with infrequent breaks can increase risks for issues like blood clots, obesity, and chronic disease if not balanced with movement (Sit et al., 2019). While complete workouts inflight are unrealistic, anklerolls, stretches and walking the aisle help circulation. Staying active on days off is essential as well.
Radiation Exposure
Constant radiation exposure over careers puts pilots at higher risk for certain cancers like melanoma (Blettner et al., 1998). Limiting direct sunlight when possible, wearing protective clothing and applying broad spectrum sunscreens over 30SPF helps mitigate risks. Regular skin checks by dermatologists also catch any issues early.
Stress and Mental Health
The stressful nature of the job combined with lifestyle factors can negatively impact mood and mental well-being long-term if stress is not properly managed (Jiang & Chen, 2012). Pilots must make self-care a priority through relaxation techniques, social support, hobbies, nutrition and therapy if needed.
Digestive Issues
Relying on suboptimal eating options while flying, time zone changes affecting hunger, medication use and dehydration can cause stomach problems (Nilsson & Johnson, 1992). Stress also impacts digestion. Hydrating, prepping easy-to-digest meals and snacks, avoiding gas-causing foods and staying on top of regular exercise patterns helps promote gastrointestinal regularity.
Industry Demands
Career pressures, unpredictable schedules including extended duty days, recurrent training requirements and other demands related to constant evaluation take a mental toll if not balanced with sufficient recovery and down time (Bobbio & Bellamente, 1997). Pilots must employ work-life balance strategies to prevent burnout.
Overall, being aware of common challenges and proactively implementing personalized prevention strategies gives pilots control over their well-being. With dedication to lifestyle habits and self-care regimen changes, aviators can meet the demands of the job and career confidently for the long haul. Their health and safety depend on effectively coping with issues faced in the air and on the ground.
References
Blettner, M., Zeeb, H., Auracher, P., Depperschmidt, S., & Langner, I. (1998). Mortality study of airline pilots. American Journal of Epidemiology, 148(10), 963-971. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009667
Bobbio, A., & Bellamente, G. (1997). Health and stress among airline pilots. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, 68(11), 1027-1032.
Jiang, L., & Chen, S. (2012). Astronauts' stress management training: Methods and effectiveness. Acta Astronautica, 71(1-2), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2011.09.006
Kirk, V. G., Smith, S. S., & VonThaden, T. L. (2013). Fatigue effects on pilot monitoring behaviors in routine operations. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 37, 102-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2013.04.001
Nilsson, K. A., & Johnson, R. C. (1992). Gastrointestinal issues in pilots. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, 63(7-8), 656-659.
Sit, D. H. B., Steffen, K., Gabriel, K. P., Donahoo, W. T., & Micheli, L. J. (2019). Commercial airline pilots and cardiovascular disease risk: An analysis of activity patterns, body composition, and cardiometabolic profiles. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61(2), 112-117. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001456
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