Combating fatigue Published Oct. 16, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Ryan Zeski 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The 92nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron hosts the Fatigue Countermeasure class to educate Airmen on how to combat fatigue and stress. Sleep is an essential part of Airmen's lives. The full class covers topics such as the signs and symptoms of fatigue, good sleep habits, sleeping cycles, fatigue prevention, proper diet and how to counter the effects of fatigue. Staying awake for extended periods of time can be very dangerous. A person that is awake for more than 18 hours has a cognitive performance equal to that of a person who has a blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent. "If you don't shut down your body, eventually it will do it for you," said Staff Sgt. Bethany Whiteley, 92nd Aerospace Medical Squadron aerospace physiology craftsman. It is recommended to get about eight hours of sleep each night. Everyone has different needs, so some may require more or less than the recommended amount. Understanding personal needs is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing mishaps at work. For more information about the Fatigue Countermeasure class contact Aerospace Physiology at 509-247-5406.