But, it has been a priority for the Army and district alike. “These shades filter out almost all sunlight entering into the room which improves the quality of sleep during the summer months.”ĭeRocchi also added that the Corps typically deals with multimillion-dollar programs that construct large and new infrastructure, so installing blackout shades was a relatively small project. “The Army quickly tasked our team with installing these blackout blinds in barracks all over the installations,” said Mark DeRocchi, chief of the engineering, construction and operations divisions at the Alaska District and Corps’ representative on the task force. However, the use of blinds, eye masks and a sleep schedule can all counter this effect. Army’s Quality of Life Task Force after they looked at a vast amount of data and listened to soldiers’ feedback.Ī study from 2012 concluded that constant light exposure experienced in high latitudes adversely affects the circadian system. The installs are one of many changes happening as a result of feedback identified by the 30 members from various backgrounds and organizations on the U.S.

They used tinfoil, bedsheets and other makeshift window coverings but those measures did not always work well. Austin Mooney, president of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program for U.S.

“Before the blackout curtains, would try to find creative ways to block out the light to attempt to get a good night’s sleep,” said Spc. They worked with Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely to install 2,740 blackout shades in 30 barracks this year to improve sleep quality and in turn, enhance the mental health and well-being of Alaska’s warfighters. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District. Army Garrison Alaska is taking a multifaceted approach to address this problem and a small but effective piece of this work is by the U.S. Getting quality sleep in the middle of summer, when daylight is nearly 24 hours a day, is a challenge that can adversely affect mental health. Almost every night, people close their curtains to go to sleep but for Soldiers stationed in the Fairbanks area, regular curtains will not suffice.

Are we blind deploy the garrison