Mild Depressive Symptoms in Airline Pilots Associated With Impaired Executive Functions

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Background Insomnia and poor sleep are leading modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Given the high susceptibility of airline pilots (APs) to sleep disturbances, we sought to investigate the hypothesis that poor sleep in this professional group correlates with alterations in plasma biochemical markers that would reflect critical aspects in the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic disorders. Methods In this preliminary cross-sectional study, we examined the relation of poor sleep to fourteen plasma biomarkers reflecting multiple cardiometabolic pathways in a convenience sample of 117 male APs. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to categorize the participants into good sleepers (n = 70, 59.8%; PSQI scores from 0 to 4) and poor sleepers (n = 47, 40.2%; PSQI scores of 5 or higher). The concentrations of biomarkers were compared between the two groups using both univariable and multivariable analyses. Results Compared to good sleepers, APs identified as poor sleepers exhibited significantly different levels of four plasma cardiometabolic biochemical markers in univariable analysis. However, in multivariable-adjusted analysis, only three biomarkers, adiponectin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21, and growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15, remained independently associated with poor sleep. Conclusion Poor sleep quality in APs correlates with lower plasma concentrations of adiponectin and elevated levels of FGF-21 and GDF-15. Further longitudinal studies are required to elucidate the role of these biomarkers in the link between sleep disturbances and cardiometabolic risk in this professional group.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…APs scoring between 0 and 4 on the PSQI were classified as good sleepers, whereas those scoring 5 or above were deemed poor sleepers [ 11 ]. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was utilized to evaluate the normality of continuous data.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relation of Sleep Quality to a Panel of Plasma Cardiometabolic Markers in Airline Pilots: A Cross-Sectional Study

Liaño Riera,

Santiago Sáez,

García Martín

et al. 2024

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“…A total of 100 male APs of Caucasian descent volunteered to participate in the study. They were recruited during routine occupational health visits at outpatient clinics (Studio Minoretti S.r.l., Oggiono, Italy), with an occupational health physician extending the invitation [ 20 ]. Due to the limited number of female pilots, women were excluded.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels, Not 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Are Associated With Sleep Quality in Airline Pilots

Minoretti,

Santiago Sáez,

García Martín

et al. 2023

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Introduction: Despite the vulnerability of airline pilots (APs) to sleep disturbances, the biological underpinnings responsible for this phenomenon are still not entirely elucidated. However, there is an increasing amount of evidence indicating an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ levels and sleep health. In this cross-sectional study, we sought to examine the potential associations between serum levels of these biomarkers and the occurrence of poor sleep among APs.Methods: We examined a convenience sample of 100 male APs who underwent the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess their sleep quality. Those who scored 5 or higher on the PSQI were labeled as poor sleepers. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ were quantified in all participants.Results: Out of the 100 APs, 58 (58%) and 42 (42%) were classified as good and poor sleepers, respectively, based on the PSQI scores. We defined vitamin D deficiency as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 10 ng/mL and insufficiency as levels ranging from 10 to 30 ng/mL. The results revealed no significant differences in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D between the two groups, and there was no evidence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. However, poor sleepers exhibited significantly lower levels of both Mg 2+ (1.8 ± 0.1 mg/dL versus 2.0 ± 0.1 mg/dL, respectively) and Ca 2+ (8.5 ± 0.4 mg/dL versus 9.1 ± 0.5 mg/dL, respectively) compared to good sleepers (P < 0.001 for both). Logistic regression analysis identified both Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ as independent biomarkers associated with poor sleep quality in APs ( P < 0.001 for both).Conclusion: Lower serum concentrations of Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ , not 25-hydroxyvitamin D, may be associated with poor sleep in APs.

“…The growing operational burden imposed by climate change has the potential to exacerbate these mental health challenges, potentially leading to heightened anxiety, stress, and burnout. This is a pressing concern, given the vital role of psychological fitness in pilot performance and the overall safety of air travel [37].…”

Section: Mental Workload and Stress Associated With Extreme Weather C...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Health Challenges for Aviation Workers Amid the Changing Climate: A Narrative Review

Minoretti,

Gómez Serrano,

Liaño Riera

et al. 2024

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Although there are many forecasts regarding the impact of climate change on the aviation sector, a critical but frequently neglected dimension is the occupational safety risks faced by aviation professionals. This narrative review explores the potential impacts of the changing climate on the health and safety of aviation personnel. Furthermore, we examine the significance of resilience in helping these workers adapt and effectively manage climate-related challenges in their professional lives. Climate change poses increasing threats to the well-being of flight personnel through elevated temperatures, heightened ultraviolet radiation exposure, increased mental workload from extreme weather events, and other psychological stressors. Building resilience through workforce training, planning, and adaptation can reduce vulnerability. In future research, the iterative process of selecting measurement components to gauge the impact of climate change should balance feasibility, relevance for stakeholders, and accurately capturing exposure effects. For instance, while salivary cortisol measures stress biologically, assessments of depression or burnout may provide more nuanced insights on pilot health for industry decision-makers managing climate impacts. In conclusion, a strategic emphasis on enhancing the physical and psychological well-being of the aviation workforce is imperative for facilitating a more efficient adaptation within the sector. This is of paramount importance, considering the critical function that aviation serves in fostering human connectivity. Consequently, it is essential for regulatory bodies and policymakers to prioritize the safeguarding of employee health in the face of climate change challenges.