Fatigue is directly hazardous to flight safety. It is a condition characterized by increased discomfort with lessened capacity for work and is usually accompanied by a feeling of weariness and tiredness. It can be characterized into either Acute of Chronic. # Acute Fatigue > Tiredness after a period of short term physical or mental exhaustion ## Potential Causes - Lack of rest the night before - Recent stressful event ## Treatment - Rest # Chronic Fatigue > Insufficient recovery from many periods of acute fatigue ## Potential Causes - Chronic stress - Inability to sleep well - Busy lifestyle with little downtime ## Treatment - Sufficient rest - Solving issues with sleep (sleep apnea/insomnia) - Reducing overall stress - Lifestyle changes # Symptoms of Fatigue Fatigue can dramatically reduce a pilot's performance, reaction time, reasoning, and decision-making. It is imperative to make sure that you are not dealing with fatigue before flying an airplane. # [FAA Brochure: Fatigue in Aviation](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/fatigue_aviation.pdf)