Effects of Clockwise and Counterclockwise Job Shift Work Rotation on Sleep and Work-Life Balance on Hospital Nurses

Abstract

Rotational shift work is associated with sleep disturbances, increased risk of cardiovascular and psychological disorders, and may negatively impact work–life balance. The direction of shift rotation (Clockwise, CW or counterclockwise, CCW) and its role in these disorders are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the shift schedule direction on sleep quantity and quality, alertness and work performance, and on work–life balance on hospital nurses. One-hundred female nurses, working a continuous rapid shift schedule in hospitals in the north of Italy, participated in this cross-sectional study. Fifty worked on CW rotation schedule (Morning: 6 a.m.–2 p.m., Afternoon: 2 p.m.–10 p.m., Night: 10 p.m.–6 a.m., 2 rest days) and fifty on CCW rotation (Afternoon, Morning, Morning, Night, 3 rest days). Data were collected by ad hoc questionnaire and daily diary. During the shift cycle CW nurses slept longer (7.40 ± 2.24 h) than CCW (6.09 ± 1.73; p < 0.001). CW nurses reported less frequently than CCW awakening during sleep (40% vs. 80%; p < 0.001), attention disturbance during work (20% vs. 64%; p < 0.001), and interference with social and family life (60% vs. 96% and 20% vs. 70%, respectively; p < 0.001). CCW rotating shift schedule seems to be characterized by higher sleep disturbances and a worse work–life balance.

A prediction model of sleep disturbances among female nurses by using the BP‐ANN

“…These adverse effects of clinical practice from shift rotation were not explored in this study; however, the circadian rhythms for shift workers could be desynchronized, and this warrants further study to explore medical errors and safety issues. The rapid‐rotation shift work schedule is a common phenomenon in Asia and some European countries (Shiffer et al, ), which contribute to the formation or aggravation of excessive sleepiness in shift workers. Hospital administrators should pay attention to the shift change time between evening and night shift nurses and its impact on circadian disorders among nurses.…”

Work-Life Balance in Great Companies and Pending Issues for Engaging New Generations at Work

“…However, and fortunately for workers, WLB is becoming a trendy topic in recent years [19] in the personal sphere and also in the organizational context [20]. Although the sectors studied are diverse, recent studies on the topic focus on health [21][22][23][24], transport [25], or education [26,27]. The study of WLB is specifically prominent in the field of public health [3].…”

The relationship between the pattern of shift work and sleep disturbances in Korean firefighters

“…Regarding the direction of shift rotations, these are classified as forward or clockwise (morning to afternoon to night shift) or backward or counterclockwise (morning to night to afternoon shift). Although there has been some debate about the speed of shift rotation, most researchers are in agreement that a forward rotation is preferable to the backwards direction (Knauth and Hornberger 2003;Shiffer et al 2018;Viitasalo et al 2008).…”