Feeling Well Rested and Wide Awake When it Counts

About this technology

Overview

Dr. Mark Rosekind led NASA's Fatigue Countermeasures Program from 1990 until 1997. During his tenure, he made many important contributions to applied research, accident investigation, aviation policy, and operational environments. In 1997, Rosekind brought his expertise to the private sector by founding Alertness Solutions, Inc., a scientific consulting firm that translates knowledge of sleep, circadian rhythms, alertness, and performance into practical products, services, and strategies that improve safety and productivity. These offerings are geared towards individuals and organizations involved with around-the-clock operations, altered shift schedules, sustained or continuous requirements, and frequent travel across time zones. In 2005, Cupertino, California-based Alertness Solutions added another NASA fatigue countermeasures veteran to the mix, when Dr. Melissa Mallis, who led the Fatigue Countermeasures Group from 2000 to 2005, joined the company as its director of scientific affairs. While with NASA, Mallis had made significant contributions to safety, research, and education in aviation, space, and other diverse operational settings. Together, Rosekind and Mallis are applying the scientific prowess they honed at Ames and incorporating the latest research available to help individuals and organizations manage and overcome the operational challenges of their environments. Such challenges include drowsy driving that occurs from long durations behind the wheel, jet lag from crossing multiple time zones in a short period of time, and sleep deprivation resulting from irregular schedules and challenging sleep environments. One of the company's solutions is a product called Awake at the Wheel, which includes a 32-page alertness guide and a 36-minute audio CD to give drivers: information about what makes them sleepy and how this affects their ability to drive safely; ways to accurately evaluate their alertness; sure-fire" strategies to help them stay alert; and planning tools that allow them to implement alertness strategies on the next big trip."