Adaptation to Night Shifts and Synchronisation Processes of Night Workers

Abstract

Human beings are accustomed to being active and awake during the day, and asleep and rest at night. S i n c e w e l i v e i n a s o c i e t y w h i c h i s o r g a n i s e d predominantly along daytime activity, therefore working in the night shift may deeply disrupt our social and family life. It is also a well-known fact that night shift causes fatigue and circadian disruption. The basic manifestation of fatigue and circadian rhythm has been linked to health a n d s a f e t y pr o b l e ms , i n v o l v i n g d e c r e m e n ts i n psychophysical and physiological functions, plus subjective complaints. In this context quantitative relationships between shift work and circadian rhythm need to be assessed to explore suitable time schedule, and to minimise sleep depth and fatigue. There is also a great need to discuss circadian disruption, sleepiness and the increasing cost of work related illness among night workers. In this regard, some aspects of fatigue and circadian disruption caused from night shift work are revealed in this paper aiming to increase workers' health, safety and well being as well as productivity. Light / dark cycle and social stimuli issues acting on the circadian timing systems are also explored to solicit opinions and discussion on the controversy of night work. Suggestions are therefore likewise given to enhance workers' adaptation to night shift and synchronization process.

Arbeit zur falschen Zeit am falschen Platz? Eine Matching-Analyse zu gesundheitlichen Beanspruchungen bei Schicht- und Nachtarbeit

“…Diese wiederum können zu vermehrter Schläfrigkeit (Hypersomnie) oder auch Nervosität füh-ren. Mit vergleichbaren Effekten werden zudem für häufi-ger in Nachtarbeit Beschäftigte verkürzte Tagschlafdauern beobachtet, die auf die Desynchronisierung des zirkadianen Rhythmus und störende Lichtverhältnisse, Lärm und das soziale sowie familiäre Umfeld zurückgeführt werden (Ahasan et al 2001;Åkerstedt und Gillberg 1981;Knauth 1985;Knauth et al 1980;Knauth und Rutenfranz 1981;Van Cauter et al 1994). Aufgrund der Desynchronisierung des Schlaf-Wachrhythmus finden sich Hinweise für psychische Störungen.…”

Sleep and autonomic nervous system changes – enhanced cardiac sympathetic modulations during sleep in permanent night shift nurses

“…Likewise, recordings were taken during the daytime sleep of the permanent night shift nurses after their second night shift. We indicated in a prior study that a period of at least two consecutive days off was sufficient for nurses working night shifts to return to the normal nighttime sleep patterns of dayshift workers (21). Therefore, a further recording of the nighttime sleep of permanent night shift nurses was carried out on their second day off.…”

Effects of Color Temperature of Illumination on Physiological Functions

“…In the current society, living hours significantly vary from person to person. Individuals whose work schedules require them to engage in late-night and earlymorning shifts are forced to live an irregular life (Ahasan et al, 2001). This working environment has created serious social problems.…”