Enhancing Sleep Efficiency on Towboats in the U.S. Inland Waterway Industry

OBJECTIVE The objective of this research is to develop a compendium of best practices for enhancing sleep efficiency on towboats in the U.S. inland waterway industry. TASKS Task 1. Participate in a 1-day kickoff meeting with the NCFRP in Nashville, Tennessee. Task 2. Identify and describe the metrics that will be used to evaluate current operational interventions (e.g., educational materials and programs; noise abatement; sleep disorders screening especially sleep apnea; and wellness and nutritional programs) for their effectiveness in improving sleep efficiency on towboats. Task 3. Evaluate the use of anchor sleep/nap strategies on sleep behavior among personnel in the inland waterway industry. In order to accomplish this task, we propose to interview towboat wheelhouse personnel in the U.S. inland waterway industry. Task 4. Identify barriers that inhibit waterways personnel from adopting good sleep management practices and propose ways to overcome the barriers. Task 5. Prepare a list of best practices that could be implemented by the waterways industry, companies, crews, or individuals to enhance sleep efficiency. Task 6. Three months prior to contract completion date, prepare a draft final compendium of best practices for enhancing sleep efficiency on towboats in the U.S. inland waterway industry and a report documenting the results of the research.