Fatigue, Sleep & Medications

  • Length1 Days
  • Pre-requisiteNone

Course Description

This one-day seminar will assist attendees in understanding how medications, sleep patterns / disorders decrease situational awareness. Basic information on the sleep and fatigue will be discussed. Participants will review the effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications on piloting performance and fatigue. Additionally, positive and negative utilization of caffeine / energy drinks as a stimulant will be discussed.

Prerequisites- None.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

What You Will Learn

  • Discuss pertinent NTSB accident findings leading to M-97-41, 44, & 45.
  • Appreciate how the use of "over-the-counter," and herbal medication(s) are addressed in the new Coast Guard medical standards (NVIC 04-08).
  • Understand circadian rhythms & relationship to work schedules.
  • List the five normal sleep stages.
  • Appreciate concept of ‘sleep debt.’
  • List at least three types of sleep problems and their possible effects on safety.
  • Appreciate the need to effectively communicate with their health care provider(s) and/or pharmacist.
  • Use either the federal or State regulation references regarding schedules of Controlled Substances.
  • Discuss with their health care provider or pharmacist the possible effects of those medications on their ability to pilot a vessel.
  • Use standard patient information, package inserts or other reference materials, discuss with their health care provider or pharmacist the possible effects of prescribed (other than Controlled Substances) medications, over-the-counter, or herbal supplements on their ability to pilot a vessel.
  • Understand at least three potential effects of medications and herbal supplements on sleep and alertness.
  • Develop at least four personal fatigue countermeasures.
  • Evaluate the use of caffeine / energy drinks as an alertness tool.

Related Courses

No related courses found

Available Dates - BALTIMORE

No available course sessions at this time. Please check back at a later date.

Available Dates - SEATTLE

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Questions? Contact a School Advisor.