Sopite Syndrome Identified in a Student Naval Aviator.
Sopite syndrome is a poorly understood symptom complex characterized by drowsiness and lethargy relating to motion sickness. Though often occurring in conjunction with the classic symptomatology of motion sickness, the literature suggests that sopite syndrome is a separate entity that may occur independently of the feelings of nausea characteristic of traditional motion sickness. Additionally, the syndrome can last long after symptoms of nausea have subsided and can be debilitating to some patients. Due to the frequent concomitance of sopite syndrome and the classic symptoms of motion sickness, the syndrome may frequently go unidentified and there is a paucity of data recording its exact incidence in the available literature. In this study, we report a case of sopite syndrome identified in a 23-yr-old student naval aviator who was ultimately unable to overcome his symptoms and adapt to the dynamic environment of flight. This process is particularly relevant to student aviators and others involved in transportation settings where the existence of even mild performance challenges may create the potential for operational hazards. Because the training of aviators and flight officers is historically one of the most expensive investments undertaken by the Department of the Navy each year, documenting unique manifestations of this common problem and addressing them early in the training pipeline may help reduce the time and financial burden associated with student naval aviator attrition in the later stages of training.Gemender MS, Sholes PC, Haight SP. Sopite syndrome identified in a student naval aviator. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(9):848-850.