Scientists: Air Controllers Need Naps On the Job

Experts say current FAA ban of sleeping at work, even on breaks, is outdated

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By CBS/AP

(CBS/AP)  

WASHINGTON - The best solution to the problem of sleepy air traffic controllers is more sleeping on the job, scientists say.

 

But that would be a radical change for the Federal Aviation Administration. Current regulations forbid sleeping at work, even during breaks. Controllers who are caught can be suspended or fired.

 

Experts say that kind of thinking is outdated.

 

"There should be sanctioned on-shift napping. That's the way to handle night shift work," said Gregory Belenky, a sleep expert at Washington State University in Spokane. There are plenty of other scientists in the U.S. and around the world who agree with him. Sleep studies show that nighttime workers who are allowed "recuperative breaks" are more alert when they return to their tasks.

 

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SOCIALISM! said on Saturday, Apr 16 at 11:25 AM

This article right here is the "let them eat cake" portion of a Socialist movement. Its what is making may Americans fat, lethargic, and robotic. Put their weak asses out of a job!

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Who was paid off for that comment! said on Saturday, Apr 16 at 11:22 AM

i wonder how much the Union paid the "scientists" to say that? The better solution (non Union of course) is to shorten the shift to 4 hours (without pay raise). Maybe the workers would change their minds and prefer not to sleep on the job like the rest of us. If they get caught sleeping, then fire them, get someone who can stay awake for 8 hours. Thank you!(bow)(Really the applause wasnt necessary lol)

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Sleeping Unions said on Saturday, Apr 16 at 11:17 AM

If they want to sleep, let them clock out, and go home.

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Andrew said on Friday, Apr 15 at 8:15 PM

If the dudehad a video game he woulda been awake! God smart people are stupid

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nappy time said on Friday, Apr 15 at 6:21 PM

naps recharge and renew your body, they should be allowed a 20 min nap after lunch. every GI knows how to get a few winks in when possible. plus it makes it safer for all involved, makes sense to me.

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steve said on Friday, Apr 15 at 5:50 PM

Really they need naps? I never got a nap while deployed doing 48 hour shifts just to get 6 hours of sleep to do it again. Scientists are ******* stupid

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