Stephen James is an Assistant Professor in the Elson S Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University. His research focus includes the interaction between physical stressors [such as sleep related fatigue], law, policy, training and practice relating to operational performance for military and law enforcement personnel. Dr. James strives to better understand the dynamics of performance in a wide variety of military and policing tasks; driving, citizen encounters, crisis intervention, and deadly force encounters. Prior to becoming an academic Dr. James spent more than 20 years in the British infantry as a solider and officer; serving in Cyprus, the Former Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, and Afghanistan.
Presentation
Mitigating the Effects of Fatigue: Evidence to Date
Modern society is dependent on first responders providing services 24/7, despite mounting evidence for negative physical and mental health outcomes from sleep displacement due to shift work. This talk reviews short- and long-term health consequences of sleep displacement and circadian misalignment due to shift work. The impact of sleep loss on cognitive function, decision making, and the ability of the first responder to process stress will also be discussed. Evidence from multiple studies testing strategies to mitigate the effects of fatigue and promote sleep health will be presented. Attendees will come away with a better understanding of why sleep alludes us and how to achieve more sleep.