Which physiological factors can influence susceptibility to spatial disorientation?

Susceptibility to spatial disorientation can be significantly influenced by alcohol and self-medication due to their effects on the central nervous system. Alcohol impairs cognitive functions and motor skills, which can distort a pilot's perception of orientation and balance. Self-medication, often involving various drugs, can also alter a person's physiological state, leading to diminished cognitive processing and altered sensory perceptions. Both factors can lead to reduced situational awareness and impaired decision-making abilities, making individuals more susceptible to misinterpreting their environment and spatial orientation, particularly in complex scenarios like flying.

Understanding the interactions between these substances and human physiology is crucial in aerospace environments, where precise spatial awareness is vital for safe operations. While good sleep, flight conditions, and environmental distractions can play roles in overall performance and situational awareness, their effects are often not as direct and pronounced in terms of inducing spatial disorientation as alcohol and self-medication.