Sustaining Female Helicopter Pilot Performance With Dexedrine During Sleep Deprivation

To investigate the efficacy of Dexedrine for maintaining the performance of sleep deprived female aviators, 6 female UH-60 pilots were exposed to 2 40-hr sleep deprivation periods during which they alternately received Dexedrine (3 10mg doses) or placebo. Dexedrine improved 6 of 9 flight simulator maneuvers and enhanced general levels of alertness as measured by EEG and Profile of Mood States assessments. The results from a cognitive test were negligible and inconsistent, probably because of the short test duration. Overall, it appeared that Dexedrine effectively sustained the performance, alertness, and mood of female UH-60 pilots despite short-term sleep loss. There were no problematic side effects.