The government has long banned air traffic controllers from sleeping on the job. But how can it enforce the ban? How can government prevent bone-tired air traffic controllers working the midnight shift, the swing shift, or two shifts in a row, from falling asleep? That's the question the flying public should ask!

A new government fatigue study found that months of shifting schedules, from day time, to night time to swing shift - a common pattern among air traffic controllers - disrupts the body's normal biological sleep rhythms, and leaves controllers dangerously sleep deprived. Drowsy workers make mistakes.

The study's chief recommendation calls for scheduled sleeping breaks of up to 2 ½ hours for controllers on night shifts, with other controllers filling in while they sleep. It's a common practice in Japan, Germany and other countries. Some even make special rooms available to napping controllers. That seems sensible.

Yes - controllers have a personal responsibility to ensure they get enough sleep when off duty to keep them alert on the job. But if pre-planned nap times for controllers working at night improves safety, I say, let 'em sleep!

Ginger Rutland writes for The Sacramento Bee opinion pages.