Groundbreaking Sleep Study Enlists Participation of SURFLANT Ships

The importance of sleep for the health and performance of sailors has gained renewed focus within the United States Navy. In 2017, the adoption of circadian-based watch rotations, heavily informed by research from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), marked a significant shift in naval policy. To assess the impact of these changes, naval researchers are utilizing wearable technology and self-report questionnaires to collect comprehensive data on the sleep patterns and mental health of sailors.

In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers from NPS are conducting a longitudinal study involving three warships of the same Carrier Strike Group. Deployed aboard the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, these vessels are utilizing Oura rings to track the sleep habits of nearly 100 crew members per ship. These ships will soon be active in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas, succeeding the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group in combat operations. According to Dr. John Cordle, a Human Factors Engineer at Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic, the data gathered from these monitors promises to deepen understanding of sailor resilience. Commander Mathew Rechkemmer of the USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) expressed enthusiasm, noting the overwhelming volunteer response from sailors well above the target number.

The NPS team’s research also includes sailors from USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) during its midlife maintenance period. The unique environment of the shipyard poses specific challenges to sleep and readiness, as highlighted by Dr. Chris McClernon, a key researcher in the study. The study aims to compare the data between crews engaged in maintenance and those deployed in active missions, which could offer significant operational insights.

Admiral Joe Cahill, Commander of Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, emphasized the leadership’s commitment to improving sleep through data-driven decision-making. He stressed the importance of personal responsibility and leadership’s role in enhancing crew welfare. Innovative tools, including Oura rings and sleep enhancement kits, are being employed to aid sailors in achieving better rest. Additionally, periodic surveys on sailors’ watch and work schedules will help refine the understanding of their sleep needs.

The initiative is a segment of a wider study funded by the Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO), focusing on over 1,000 active-duty service members’ sleep and mental health. The research, guided by Dr. Nita Shattuck from NPS, builds on her extensive background in transforming naval policies on crew rest, significantly impacting fleet operations and safety. Dr. Cordle recognized Dr. Shattuck’s enduring contribution to the Navy, changing the protocols for standing watch at sea.