A Commentary on James et al.: One promising model for fatigue mitigation and prevention

Abstract

The purpose of this response essay is to commend the authors of the article, “Evaluating the effectiveness of a fatigue training intervention for the Seattle Police Department” for calling attention to the issue of fatigue and addressing its negative impact on health and safety. We highlight the demanding role of police officers and how fatigue can have significant consequences. We also discuss how the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is committed to calling attention to the importance of sufficient sleep, and review how effectively the online training course tackled the issue. The positive results from the online training program align well with the AASM’s priority of addressing and improving sleep health. The AASM finds the published trial to be groundbreaking work and agree that its cost-effective, low-burden strategy for combating fatigue can be a potential model for significantly improving sleep, mental health, and safe driving in police officers.