There are deleterious effects of elevated plasma cortisol (not just stress induced) as plasma cortisol rises with circadian disruption and sleep deprivation. Constant elevated plasma cortisol levels deliver a host of devastating health outcomes (metabolic and cognitive consequences) due to glucocorticoid excess. No, this isn’t only limited to pilots - it is extended to anyone, however, aircrew are subjecting themselves to impaired sleep very regularly (including short-haul).
Yes - the book by Matt Walker is an excellent one. Well written. His TED talk might be of interest to some.
As pilots - you’re statistically likely to suffer earlier mortality as a result of your lifestyles your vocation induces. And it this isn’t only due to circadian disruption and subsequent sleep deprivation (which is extremely powerful). As spoken about before - exposure to ionising radiation, poor nutritional outcomes etc., contribute to deleterious health outcomes. The issue is that not all of this is within your control. Treat sleep with the greatest respect.
https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walke...er?language=en