From an aide memoire:
SLEEP DEPRIVATION Sleep is a physiological need like food and water. No level of leadership, experience, or skill level can overcome sleep loss. You cannot train for fatigue or sleep loss.
FATIGUE
FATIGUE IS THE STATE OF FEELING TIRED/SLEEPY THAT RESULTS FROM PROLONGED MENTAL/PHYSICAL WORK, EXTENDED PERIODS OF ANXIETY, AND EXPOSURE TO HARSH ENVIRONMENTS OR LOSS OF SLEEP. FATIGUE IMPAIRS ALERTNESS AND PERFORMANCE OFTEN WITHOUT A SOLDIER’S AWARENESS. IT PRODUCES PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO THOSE CAUSED BY ALCOHOL. BORING/MONOTONOUS TASKS INCREASE THE FEELING OF FATIGUE.
SYMPTOMS
1. Difficulty in attention and concentration. Poor, careless performance, greater tolerance for error. Irritability, decreased motivation and conservation of effort. Eyes go in and out of focus.
NOTE: Require brief backs when giving fatigued soldiers instructions or orders.
FIRST AID
1. Alternating soldiers between heavy and light duty tasks, including a moderate work pace on heavy tasks.
2. Enforce a good rest plan. Provide breaks, naps or time off when task complete.
3. Adjust the complexity of tasks and make changes in assignments to prevent boredom.
4. Provide high protein nutritional food before/after and/or during task. Consume caffeine drinks
SLEEP LOSS
SLEEP-DEPRIVED SOLDIERS WILL DISPLAY MOST OF THE FATIGUE SYMPTOMS. SOLDIERS MAY TOLERATE REDUCED HOURS OF SLEEP OF 4 HOURS (7 DAYS). LONG TERM OPS (14 DAYS) REQUIRE AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM OF 5 HOURS.
SYMPTOMS
1. Increased fatigue, irritability and unreasonableness. Mental and physical performance deteriorates. Impaired speech and accuracy of skilled tasks. Confusion and disorientation. Occasional visual and sense of touch hallucinations.
NOTE: Require brief backs when giving sleep-deprived soldiers instructions or orders. Provide information and instructions in written form.
FIRST AID
1. Frequently alternate soldiers on tasks that require a high degree of vigilance. Postpone difficult/complex tasks during early A.M.
2. Enforce a good rest plan, schedule forced rest (naps).
3. Allow soldiers to pace themselves so they can maintain accuracy by slowing speed. Closely supervise and provide immediate feedback to increase motivation.
4. Ensure soldiers get the nutrition and fluids their bodies require.
NAPS
1. Naps can sustain performance during continuous work periods and should be encouraged if the situation permits. The best time to nap is before a period of sleep loss to prevent subsequent performance impairment.
2. Naps should be as long as possible. A single two-hour nap is very beneficial. Short naps of 30 - 45 minutes are better than none.
3. Timing: 1400 - 1600 or 0300 - 0600 is best. Allow 15 - 20 minutes to become fully alert before starting/resuming task.
4. Conditions: relatively quiet, cool, dark, comfortable place, if possible. Use ear plugs.
5. Leaders must ascertain the reasons why soldiers are sleeping during normal duty hours before awaking them. Forced rest (naps) may have been ordered. Awaking the soldier unnecessarily will defeat the purpose of the forced rest and possibly lower morale.
6. Never Sleep: in running vehicle or tent without a stove watch; close to tracks/roads; in front of/behind/on top of/under a vehicle; outside of designated sleep areas; in a location not known to the leader.
EFFECTS OF SLEEP LOSS
Reference: B-GL-332-001/FP-001
(see picture attached)