Maintaining a sexual relationship can be particularly challenging for couples who work on different shifts or where one partner works a shiftwork schedule while the other works a traditional day job. Add to that child care issues, individual circadian sleep profiles, and personal preferences about sex to begin or end a day -- it all adds up to a big hurdle. Spend time with your partner discussing this issue and scheduling mutually compatible times. Sex on a schedule may sound a little clinical, but how's the alternative been working out for you? Couples coping with fertility issues have dealt with this for a long time so it can be done. This is just an extension of a more general National Shiftwork Information Center tip to set up a date with your spouse or significant other on a regular basis. Plan a special time -- it doesn't have to be dinner and a movie. It might be brunch. It might be going for a bike ride in the early afternoon. It might be fishing. You name it. But schedule that time. If sex is part of that time, all the better.
Showing posts with label shiftworker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shiftworker. Show all posts
Jun 22, 2008
Feb 20, 2008
Presidential politics shines spotlight on shiftwork
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has produced a 30-second commercial recognizing the challenges of working the night shift. The ad shows night shift workers in a variety of industrial settings. It goes on to point out the Senator's record and stance on issues the ad cites as being important to shiftworkers -- child care, elder care, health care, etc.
The National Shiftwork Information Center is a non-partisan organization and not an advocacy group so we are not endorsing this candidate nor her position. But, we applaud turning a national spotlight on the realities of shiftwork and identifying the kinds of issues that affect shiftworkers. Maybe this ad will help others pay attention to the needs of this important sector of our 24/7 economy.
You can view the ad on YouTube.
The National Shiftwork Information Center is a non-partisan organization and not an advocacy group so we are not endorsing this candidate nor her position. But, we applaud turning a national spotlight on the realities of shiftwork and identifying the kinds of issues that affect shiftworkers. Maybe this ad will help others pay attention to the needs of this important sector of our 24/7 economy.
You can view the ad on YouTube.
Feb 15, 2008
Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part II
We continue the discussion of short term effects of shiftwork:
Interference with Social and Family Life
Most social and family events happen during the evening or on weekends. Because shiftworkers are on the job in the evening or on weekends, or because they sleep during the day, they often miss out on social or family activities.
When shiftworkers are asked about problems with their work schedule, they usually say that the number one problem is missing family and friends. Most shiftworkers agree that sleep also is a problem, but sometimes they would rather lose a little sleep just to see other people, especially their spouse or children.
The amount of time shiftworkers spend with family and friends depends on their schedule. It also depends on their social and leisure activities and how flexible these activities are. Shiftwork interferes little with activities that are not on a strict time schedule. Gardening, woodworking, or fixing cars are these kinds of activities.
Shiftwork does interfere with activities that are strictly scheduled, such as clubs or team sports. Shiftworkers often miss these activities because of work. Child care or visits to the children's school also can be a problem because of the work schedule.
A shiftwork schedule affects not only the worker but also the rest of the family. For example, children at play must be quiet during the day because the shiftworker is asleep.
Interference with Social and Family Life
Most social and family events happen during the evening or on weekends. Because shiftworkers are on the job in the evening or on weekends, or because they sleep during the day, they often miss out on social or family activities.
When shiftworkers are asked about problems with their work schedule, they usually say that the number one problem is missing family and friends. Most shiftworkers agree that sleep also is a problem, but sometimes they would rather lose a little sleep just to see other people, especially their spouse or children.
The amount of time shiftworkers spend with family and friends depends on their schedule. It also depends on their social and leisure activities and how flexible these activities are. Shiftwork interferes little with activities that are not on a strict time schedule. Gardening, woodworking, or fixing cars are these kinds of activities.
Shiftwork does interfere with activities that are strictly scheduled, such as clubs or team sports. Shiftworkers often miss these activities because of work. Child care or visits to the children's school also can be a problem because of the work schedule.
A shiftwork schedule affects not only the worker but also the rest of the family. For example, children at play must be quiet during the day because the shiftworker is asleep.
Source: Plain Language About Shiftwork (NIOSH)
* Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part I
* Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part I
Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part I
There are many positive aspects of shiftwork and our 24/7 society. Operating 24/7, shiftworkers make this world safer, more productive, and more convenient for everyone else. Employers often offer differential pay for shiftwork, and shiftworkers often have time off when the majority of workers are working.
Shiftwork schedules are also demanding and likely to produce stress and fatigue. Shiftwork can affect safety, health, or ability to do the job. Some of these things happen very soon after starting shiftwork. We talk about these under Immediate Effects. Health changes take a longer time to appear. We talk about health under Long-Term Health Effects.
Immediate Effects
Sleep
Soon after starting shiftwork, people notice changes in their sleep. Night workers usually get the least amount of sleep. Evening shift-workers get the most sleep, and day shiftworkers get a medium amount of sleep. Night workers are forced to sleep during the day, when their circadian rhythm makes them feel more awake. Day sleep is usually shorter than night sleep—sometimes two or three hours shorter. Day sleep also is lighter than night sleep.
Day sleepers often say they don't sleep as deeply as they do at night. Because their sleep is lighter, they are easily awakened by sounds. This makes sleeping difficult. Since there is more activity during the day, there are more sounds to wake up the sleeping shiftworker. Both permanent night workers and rotating shiftworkers sleep worse when working nights. However, rotating shiftworkers sleep the least of all.
Sleep loss makes it much easier to fall asleep at inappropriate times. This affects a worker's ability to perform safely and efficiently. Sleepiness can affect performance both on and off the job. Driving to and from work is a major concern. Sleepiness affects our ability to concentrate or pay attention, and driving requires us to pay attention at all times.
So, if a person is sleepy, it is easier to have an accident. Several jobs, such as operating dangerous machinery, also require us to pay attention at all times. So sleepiness can be risky in many different occupations. This risk is not simply a matter of falling completely asleep. After sleep loss, it is possible to have very brief periods of sleep that last only a few seconds.
Most people may not even realize these short sleeps are happening. During those few seconds of sleep, they are not paying attention at all. If something dangerous happens at those times, the worker or somebody else could get seriously hurt.
Circadian Rhythm, Performance, and Safety
The circadian rhythm is a major body rhythm with regular ups and downs in the 24-hour day. Many systems in the body are very active at certain times of day, and not active at all at other times of day. Usually the most activity happens in late afternoon or early evening. For example, the body's ability to produce energy from food (metabolism) is highest in the afternoon to evening. The least activity usually happens in the middle of the night when most people are asleep. This is one reason people feel most active and alert around 4 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and sleepiest at 4 to 6 o'clock in the morning.
There also are personal differences in circadian rhythms. Some people are morning types or “larks.” Morning people feel most active and alert early in the day. They usually go to bed early in the evening. Other people are evening types or “owls.”
Evening people feel most active in late afternoon or evening, and like to stay up late into the night. Fishermen who are out on the water before dawn usually are morning types. Musicians who perform in the evening usually are evening types. Most people, however, are somewhere in-between the strict morning and evening types.
The internal circadian rhythm affects how alert people feel. This affects their ability to perform. People perform best when alertness and internal body activity is high, and worst when alertness and activity are low. In the normal day-work, night-sleep situation, people work when the circadian rhythm is high and sleep when it is low.
On average, this schedule is best for performance, which means it also is best for safety. When workers perform poorly, they are more likely to make errors that could lead to accidents or injuries.
When working the night shift, a person is at work when his or her circadian rhythm is low and asleep when it is high. Such a schedule means that a person is trying to stay alert when the circadian rhythm is low.
On average, this is not the best time of day for performance. This low-point affects physical activity and the ability to concentrate. If a worker also has lost sleep, fatigue could combine with the circadian low-point to double the effect on one's ability to perform. Poor performance could affect both productivity and safety. Studies of errors and accidents at different times of day show an increased risk at night when the circadian rhythm is low and sleep has been lost.
* Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part II
Shiftwork schedules are also demanding and likely to produce stress and fatigue. Shiftwork can affect safety, health, or ability to do the job. Some of these things happen very soon after starting shiftwork. We talk about these under Immediate Effects. Health changes take a longer time to appear. We talk about health under Long-Term Health Effects.
Immediate Effects
Sleep
Soon after starting shiftwork, people notice changes in their sleep. Night workers usually get the least amount of sleep. Evening shift-workers get the most sleep, and day shiftworkers get a medium amount of sleep. Night workers are forced to sleep during the day, when their circadian rhythm makes them feel more awake. Day sleep is usually shorter than night sleep—sometimes two or three hours shorter. Day sleep also is lighter than night sleep.
Day sleepers often say they don't sleep as deeply as they do at night. Because their sleep is lighter, they are easily awakened by sounds. This makes sleeping difficult. Since there is more activity during the day, there are more sounds to wake up the sleeping shiftworker. Both permanent night workers and rotating shiftworkers sleep worse when working nights. However, rotating shiftworkers sleep the least of all.
Sleep loss makes it much easier to fall asleep at inappropriate times. This affects a worker's ability to perform safely and efficiently. Sleepiness can affect performance both on and off the job. Driving to and from work is a major concern. Sleepiness affects our ability to concentrate or pay attention, and driving requires us to pay attention at all times.
So, if a person is sleepy, it is easier to have an accident. Several jobs, such as operating dangerous machinery, also require us to pay attention at all times. So sleepiness can be risky in many different occupations. This risk is not simply a matter of falling completely asleep. After sleep loss, it is possible to have very brief periods of sleep that last only a few seconds.
Most people may not even realize these short sleeps are happening. During those few seconds of sleep, they are not paying attention at all. If something dangerous happens at those times, the worker or somebody else could get seriously hurt.
Circadian Rhythm, Performance, and Safety
The circadian rhythm is a major body rhythm with regular ups and downs in the 24-hour day. Many systems in the body are very active at certain times of day, and not active at all at other times of day. Usually the most activity happens in late afternoon or early evening. For example, the body's ability to produce energy from food (metabolism) is highest in the afternoon to evening. The least activity usually happens in the middle of the night when most people are asleep. This is one reason people feel most active and alert around 4 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and sleepiest at 4 to 6 o'clock in the morning.
There also are personal differences in circadian rhythms. Some people are morning types or “larks.” Morning people feel most active and alert early in the day. They usually go to bed early in the evening. Other people are evening types or “owls.”
Evening people feel most active in late afternoon or evening, and like to stay up late into the night. Fishermen who are out on the water before dawn usually are morning types. Musicians who perform in the evening usually are evening types. Most people, however, are somewhere in-between the strict morning and evening types.
The internal circadian rhythm affects how alert people feel. This affects their ability to perform. People perform best when alertness and internal body activity is high, and worst when alertness and activity are low. In the normal day-work, night-sleep situation, people work when the circadian rhythm is high and sleep when it is low.
On average, this schedule is best for performance, which means it also is best for safety. When workers perform poorly, they are more likely to make errors that could lead to accidents or injuries.
When working the night shift, a person is at work when his or her circadian rhythm is low and asleep when it is high. Such a schedule means that a person is trying to stay alert when the circadian rhythm is low.
On average, this is not the best time of day for performance. This low-point affects physical activity and the ability to concentrate. If a worker also has lost sleep, fatigue could combine with the circadian low-point to double the effect on one's ability to perform. Poor performance could affect both productivity and safety. Studies of errors and accidents at different times of day show an increased risk at night when the circadian rhythm is low and sleep has been lost.
Source: Plain Language About Shiftwork (NIOSH)
Continued in:* Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part II
Feb 13, 2008
Doctor's shiftwork exacerbates eating disorder risk
The Toronto Sun published an article today on the challenges for doctors dealing with eating disorders. The article notes the professional credibility challenge for doctors who have to confront such an issue for themselves. After all, doctors are people too. The article notes:
You can read the article, Where do health professionals go if they can't help themselves? on the Toronto Sun website.
Related article:
* Hospitals looking for ways to get patients better sleep
"Doctors' unstructured lives can play havoc with their health at the best of
times; maintaining adequate nutrition while coping with shiftwork is but one of
many issues."
You can read the article, Where do health professionals go if they can't help themselves? on the Toronto Sun website.
Related article:
* Hospitals looking for ways to get patients better sleep
Feb 8, 2008
Legislation (and pay raises?) in Pennsylvania nurses future?
The Philadelphia Inquirer published an article It's past time to relieve nurses
In Pa., they can be forced into extra shifts that discusses the forced overtime for nurses that can have them working 18 or even 24 hours straight.
While 12-hour shifts are increasingly commonplace -- very often by the demands of the shiftworkers -- shiftwork experts say that overtime beyond that should be infrequent, and limited in length to not more than 16 hours while a substitute is found. There clearly is a safety issue for both the nurses, the patients they serve, and others on the road when the fatigued nurses drive home.
The article mentions that state legislators are considering a ban, but that will not solve the problem. The problem is driven by a shortage of trained nurses. The solution doesn't lie in legislation alone. More nurses will need to be attracted to fill the gaps. That calls for a market solution -- raising the rate of pay to attract more nurses. That's the only way a new equilibrium will be found.
Managers of 24/7 operations, particularly those that absolutely must operate round-the-clock, and require skilled labor, should take note. Overworking employees creates extra costs and liabilities, and ultimately will drive employees away exacerbating the labor shortage.
I'm not advocating any particular action on anyone's part but the
In Pa., they can be forced into extra shifts that discusses the forced overtime for nurses that can have them working 18 or even 24 hours straight.
While 12-hour shifts are increasingly commonplace -- very often by the demands of the shiftworkers -- shiftwork experts say that overtime beyond that should be infrequent, and limited in length to not more than 16 hours while a substitute is found. There clearly is a safety issue for both the nurses, the patients they serve, and others on the road when the fatigued nurses drive home.
The article mentions that state legislators are considering a ban, but that will not solve the problem. The problem is driven by a shortage of trained nurses. The solution doesn't lie in legislation alone. More nurses will need to be attracted to fill the gaps. That calls for a market solution -- raising the rate of pay to attract more nurses. That's the only way a new equilibrium will be found.
Managers of 24/7 operations, particularly those that absolutely must operate round-the-clock, and require skilled labor, should take note. Overworking employees creates extra costs and liabilities, and ultimately will drive employees away exacerbating the labor shortage.
I'm not advocating any particular action on anyone's part but the
Feb 4, 2008
Hiring shiftworkers: best practices for managers in 24/7 operations
Fear of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)--and sparking a lawsuit--has led managers in most 24-hour companies to avoid any consideration of whether a potential applicant will adjust to shiftwork.
It's an ironic situation: Researchers have only recently begun to understand how shiftwork affects people's health, and now that this information is being disseminated, companies are hesitant to make use of it. While ADA should not deter you from making adaptability to shiftwork part of your screening process, you certainly should proceed with caution and competent legal advice.
When you rotate longer than two weeks, you typically increase tardiness and absenteeism on the night shifts. At the very least, you should develop a profile of your best shiftworkers and augment your hiring process to find people with similar traits. You may be able to do this on your own, interviewing successful shiftworkers in your operation. There are also consultants who can help you with this (see links for consulting and training firms on the right side of this website).
It's an ironic situation: Researchers have only recently begun to understand how shiftwork affects people's health, and now that this information is being disseminated, companies are hesitant to make use of it. While ADA should not deter you from making adaptability to shiftwork part of your screening process, you certainly should proceed with caution and competent legal advice.
When you rotate longer than two weeks, you typically increase tardiness and absenteeism on the night shifts. At the very least, you should develop a profile of your best shiftworkers and augment your hiring process to find people with similar traits. You may be able to do this on your own, interviewing successful shiftworkers in your operation. There are also consultants who can help you with this (see links for consulting and training firms on the right side of this website).
Feb 3, 2008
Adapting to night shifts -- helping shiftworkers adapt and avoid shiftworker maladaptation
Adapting to nighttime or daytime work requires synchronization of your biological clock (which controls your circadian rhythms) to the work schedule. Maladaptation results if your biological clock is not adjusted to the work schedule. To adapt the biological clock, shiftworkers must be exposed to daylight (or bright artificial light of 1,000 lux or more) both upon awakening and
throughout their active periods (for example, during work hours).
Also, shiftworkers must avoid bright light from approximately three hours prior to the end of their long sleep period.
Other health effects such as increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and sleep disorders have been historically documented in populations subjected to shiftwork maladaptation. The combined effects of disrupted sleep and biological clock disorganization can lead to endurance degradation, jet-lag-like symptoms, irritability, depression, and, in extreme cases, psychosis.
Optimizing Adaptation to Shiftwork
Optimizing shiftworker rest, while preventing shift lag (inadequate adjustment to shiftwork schedules), can contribute significantly to shiftworker adaptation to work and life aboard a maritime vessel.
Listed below are some recommendations that can prevent shift schedules from inducing short and disrupted sleep periods and shift lag.
Total Adaptation to Night Work
throughout their active periods (for example, during work hours).
Also, shiftworkers must avoid bright light from approximately three hours prior to the end of their long sleep period.
The only way to fully adapt to nightshift schedules is to reset the biological clock so that energy peaks during nighttime. Work must take place under artificial light (of at least 1000 lux) that mimics daylight. Although this is a far lower level than actual daylight, it will seem far brighter than normal indoor lighting which is typically in the 300-400 lux range. Sleep must take place in a dark and noise-free environment for approximately seven to eight hours. Failure to control daylight and/or light exposure is a significant contributor to fatigue and shiftwork maladaptation.Maladaptation to shiftwork schedules and lack of energy-restoration sleep can result in persistent sleepiness, low energy, lack of motivation, and depression; in performance degradation during duty hours; and in increased safety risk.
Other health effects such as increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and sleep disorders have been historically documented in populations subjected to shiftwork maladaptation. The combined effects of disrupted sleep and biological clock disorganization can lead to endurance degradation, jet-lag-like symptoms, irritability, depression, and, in extreme cases, psychosis.
Optimizing Adaptation to Shiftwork
Optimizing shiftworker rest, while preventing shift lag (inadequate adjustment to shiftwork schedules), can contribute significantly to shiftworker adaptation to work and life aboard a maritime vessel.
Listed below are some recommendations that can prevent shift schedules from inducing short and disrupted sleep periods and shift lag.
Avoid allowing staff to work more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Count
these 24 hours from the time shiftworkers wake up from their longest daily sleep
period (not naps).
Total Adaptation to Night Work
- Provide bright-light exposure (e.g., fluorescent bulbs of at least 1000 lux) during the work period. Note: This artificial-light exposure can only be implemented in environments where night vision is not required for performing normal duties (so, for instance, ambulance drivers who will need to be able to drive in the dark at night should not be exposed to bright artificial lighting between calls).
- Provide nightshift staff with small-size meals that promote energy and alertness (high protein, low fat, low sugar, low starch, no dairy products or turkey).
- Adjust meal times so nightshift personnel can eat a brunch on waking (at approximately 1:00 pm), including brewed coffee and breakfast foods, if desired.
- Adapt the cafeteria services to accommodate crewmember needs. This accommodation supports both safety and crew morale.
Partial Adaptation to Night Watch or Work Schedules
When bright lights cannot be used in the work environment, stick to the following recommendations:
- Reduce the duration of the shift in order to minimize the impact of endurance degradation on safety. Promote exercise in the evening hours.
- Allow shiftworkers from any shift ending in the morning hours to retire prior to sunrise, and to sleep at least seven to eight hours free of noise and with absolutely no interruptions.
- Overtime should be scheduled to occur after wake-up time (e.g., from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm), whereas leisure activities should be scheduled for the evening hours.
Source: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/cems/PDF/light_management.pdf.
Feb 1, 2008
Shiftworkers share what it's really like to work shiftwork
The experts have a lot to say that can be helpful to shiftworkers and 24/7 managers -- advice on sleep and napping, shift scheduling, fatigue countermeasures, caffeine, shiftworker lifestyle training, etc. But, a central goal of the National Shiftwork Information Center is to provide a place where shiftworkers of all types can exchange ideas -- shiftworker to shiftworker.
So, here are some additional quotes, from conversations with the shiftworkers in the U.S. National Weather Service. The question posed was, "tell us what shifwork is really like for you?" Here's what three shiftworkers had to say:
"Shiftwork is definitely not for everyone...it is hard on your body and you never seem to get enough rest. However, meteorologists are but a few of the career fields that rotate shifts, and the rewards of a job which is always different and presents new challenges cannot be overestimated. "
Another person said ...
"I would rather work an evening shift or a mid than days. It is so hard to get up early and I love having weekdays off sometimes. Also, we get enough weekends off to satisfy "weekend trips" that I need to take sometimes. Also, working 9 to 5 all of the time can get monotonous. "
Finally, we heard this ...
"Due to the fact that weather does not work a 9 to 5 schedule, having to staff National Weather Service (NWS) field offices around the clock is necessary. I don't know if there is a better solution at this time than rotating shifts. The few studies that I've read and agree with suggest that if you must work rotating shifts, then work a week or longer of the same shift and then rotate to the next shift. Our office rotates this way, as do many others in the NWS. After 3 years of shift work, I don't think I would WANT to go back to working straight day shifts from 8 to 5. I enjoy having weekdays off to get things done such as going to the post office, banking and the like. Sure, I may miss out on some social gatherings, but I would even if I worked straight day shifts. Shiftwork in the summer is great, in that you can often enjoy most of the daylight hours with the kids or other family before going in to work. "
As you can see, there are drawbacks and challenges but also many reasons people like shiftwork.
What is shifwork really like for you? Post your comment below.
Ed
So, here are some additional quotes, from conversations with the shiftworkers in the U.S. National Weather Service. The question posed was, "tell us what shifwork is really like for you?" Here's what three shiftworkers had to say:
"Shiftwork is definitely not for everyone...it is hard on your body and you never seem to get enough rest. However, meteorologists are but a few of the career fields that rotate shifts, and the rewards of a job which is always different and presents new challenges cannot be overestimated. "
Another person said ...
"I would rather work an evening shift or a mid than days. It is so hard to get up early and I love having weekdays off sometimes. Also, we get enough weekends off to satisfy "weekend trips" that I need to take sometimes. Also, working 9 to 5 all of the time can get monotonous. "
Finally, we heard this ...
"Due to the fact that weather does not work a 9 to 5 schedule, having to staff National Weather Service (NWS) field offices around the clock is necessary. I don't know if there is a better solution at this time than rotating shifts. The few studies that I've read and agree with suggest that if you must work rotating shifts, then work a week or longer of the same shift and then rotate to the next shift. Our office rotates this way, as do many others in the NWS. After 3 years of shift work, I don't think I would WANT to go back to working straight day shifts from 8 to 5. I enjoy having weekdays off to get things done such as going to the post office, banking and the like. Sure, I may miss out on some social gatherings, but I would even if I worked straight day shifts. Shiftwork in the summer is great, in that you can often enjoy most of the daylight hours with the kids or other family before going in to work. "
As you can see, there are drawbacks and challenges but also many reasons people like shiftwork.
What is shifwork really like for you? Post your comment below.
Ed
Jan 31, 2008
Circadian rhythms and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
I'm always surprised at how much attention the press gives to sleep and circadian rhythms. While this is of general interest to the general public, these topics should be of great interest to the shiftworking world. Here are a few items we've come across today:
Winter Blues May Be Treatable Depression
The NBC affiliate in Orlando, Florida, USA (WESH) discusses seasonal affective disorder (SAD), light treatment and other issues pertaining to winter-time depression. Shiftworkers can also be susceptible to this sort of disorder.
Gray skies bring winter blues
The Orion Online (Chico, California, USA) also discusses seasonal affective disorder, with a particular slant on college students, 25% of whom are affected by winter blues.
Human skin cells hide circadian clock -- are you a Lark or an Owl?
An article in NewScientist discusses a National Academy of Sciences journal article showing that genes as well as environmental factors such as day length have a major influence on the circadian clock. WebMD also published an article based on the same study -- "Morning Lark or Night Owl? Genes Know Skin Cells May Reflect Whether Someone Is a Morning Person or a Night Person."
Ed
Winter Blues May Be Treatable Depression
The NBC affiliate in Orlando, Florida, USA (WESH) discusses seasonal affective disorder (SAD), light treatment and other issues pertaining to winter-time depression. Shiftworkers can also be susceptible to this sort of disorder.
Gray skies bring winter blues
The Orion Online (Chico, California, USA) also discusses seasonal affective disorder, with a particular slant on college students, 25% of whom are affected by winter blues.
Human skin cells hide circadian clock -- are you a Lark or an Owl?
An article in NewScientist discusses a National Academy of Sciences journal article showing that genes as well as environmental factors such as day length have a major influence on the circadian clock. WebMD also published an article based on the same study -- "Morning Lark or Night Owl? Genes Know Skin Cells May Reflect Whether Someone Is a Morning Person or a Night Person."
Ed
Jan 21, 2008
Funny shiftwork stories
One of the things that adds color to the life of a shiftworker, and to the shiftwork world in general, are the personal stories. I recently ran across a blog post in which a shiftworker on an -8-hour rotating shiftwork schedule dreamt he had hit his snooze alarm and then woken up at the time his shift started. He raced to his job and found that he was 8 hours early for his shift. I've heard this type of story many times.
Do you have any personal stories, funny or otherwise, that you'd like to share? I look forward to hearing from you.
Ed
Do you have any personal stories, funny or otherwise, that you'd like to share? I look forward to hearing from you.
Ed
Why shiftworkers enjoy shiftwork
Earlier this month I came across a post on someone's personal blog that I can paraphrase as "no one likes shiftwork, no one works shiftwork by choice, and all shiftworkers are looking to get out of it the first chance they get."
I posted a comment saying that's not the case. I think the blogger was projecting her dissatisfaction with shiftwork on everyone else. Of course there are many challenges to working shiftwork. We know it. We find ways to manage them, or minimize them.
Through the years I have heard from or about many shiftworkers who prefer shiftwork for all kinds of reasons. Here are some:
The type of work may be of interest -- doctors and nurses in hospitals, pilots, railroad engineers, police officers, and many other professions have jobs that need to be available 24/7. If your life's dream is to be a railroad engineer, you're going to be a shiftworker and be happy about .
The shiftworker lifestyle may be preferable -- having free time during the day, particularly mid-week, provides some advantages such as cheaper skiing or movies, less-crowded beaches, etc. Also, for night owl types, not having to wake up in the early morning to get to a 9-to-5 job may be a big plus.
The logistics may be better -- parents may be able to better share child care when one works at night (I saw an article this weekend on that, For parents, avoiding day care not an easy proposition), avoiding rush hour traffic, parking may be more readily available or may be free at night, and there are many other such reasons.
The pay may be better than comparable day work -- is this a real reason for preferring shiftwork or are people just being bought off? I say yes. I'd prefer to spend my life sleeping in late, going for a bike ride or a run, and listening to music or reading a good book. I compromise because of my work. I PREFER to work because, for one reason, I get paid for doing it, and I haven't found anyone who will pay me for listing to my iPod or riding my bike. Shiftworkers, like everyone, make this calculation.
I've heard from shiftworkers who like working at night because there are fewer meetings and fewer supervisors around. There are all sorts of reasons shiftworkers like and even prefer shiftwork.
What do you like best about shiftwork? Share your thoughts.
Ed
I posted a comment saying that's not the case. I think the blogger was projecting her dissatisfaction with shiftwork on everyone else. Of course there are many challenges to working shiftwork. We know it. We find ways to manage them, or minimize them.
Through the years I have heard from or about many shiftworkers who prefer shiftwork for all kinds of reasons. Here are some:
The type of work may be of interest -- doctors and nurses in hospitals, pilots, railroad engineers, police officers, and many other professions have jobs that need to be available 24/7. If your life's dream is to be a railroad engineer, you're going to be a shiftworker and be happy about .
The shiftworker lifestyle may be preferable -- having free time during the day, particularly mid-week, provides some advantages such as cheaper skiing or movies, less-crowded beaches, etc. Also, for night owl types, not having to wake up in the early morning to get to a 9-to-5 job may be a big plus.
The logistics may be better -- parents may be able to better share child care when one works at night (I saw an article this weekend on that, For parents, avoiding day care not an easy proposition), avoiding rush hour traffic, parking may be more readily available or may be free at night, and there are many other such reasons.
The pay may be better than comparable day work -- is this a real reason for preferring shiftwork or are people just being bought off? I say yes. I'd prefer to spend my life sleeping in late, going for a bike ride or a run, and listening to music or reading a good book. I compromise because of my work. I PREFER to work because, for one reason, I get paid for doing it, and I haven't found anyone who will pay me for listing to my iPod or riding my bike. Shiftworkers, like everyone, make this calculation.
I've heard from shiftworkers who like working at night because there are fewer meetings and fewer supervisors around. There are all sorts of reasons shiftworkers like and even prefer shiftwork.
What do you like best about shiftwork? Share your thoughts.
Ed
Sleep: for shiftworkers, and everyone else, there's no substitute
Sleep is obviously a critically important topic for shiftworkers. But, it's equally important for the rest of the world too. That's why there's so much written about sleep -- how to get young children to sleep, the effects of teens' sleep on academic performance, the delights of an afternoon nap, or whatever. So, it's no wonder there's so much written about sleep.
The important thing to remember is that you need sleep. Everyone does. And most people need 7 or 8 hours of a sleep in a 24-hour period. While there are some people that can live on 4-5 hours of sleep, there are VERY few such people. Many who think they sleep that little actually add sleep at other times of the day, dozing during meetings and taking other intentional or unintentional naps.
And, you cannot train yourself to need less sleep.
You may get used to operating in an impaired state but your need for sleep remains the same. If you don't get the sleep you need you reduce your alertness, impairing your safety and your performance. There is also substantial evidence that you impair your learning ability, your cognitive abilities, and your longterm health.
And, beyond a very limited range you can never make up lost sleep. The person who holds the record for continuous wakefulness stayed awake more than 10 days. Afterwards, he slept for 14 hours. That's it. The other sleep lost was never recovered. So the learning and health impacts cannot be reversed. You've got to consistently get the sleep you need to perform your best in the short term and to maintain your health in the long term. It's that simple.
Over the weekend I read yet another article about sleep. It's nothing groundbreaking but it provides a very good overview. In Saturday's edition of The Cleveland Daily Banner (Cleveland, Ohio, USA) Dr. Rob Coombs wrote a short article on sleep that provides a good, basic overview of sleep -- the 4 sleep stages, the need for sleep, what makes us sleep, etc. You might want to check out Speaking on Sleep.
We've covered sleep and sleep tips many times on this blog, and I know we will continue to do so frequently. Some recent articles include:
Ed
The important thing to remember is that you need sleep. Everyone does. And most people need 7 or 8 hours of a sleep in a 24-hour period. While there are some people that can live on 4-5 hours of sleep, there are VERY few such people. Many who think they sleep that little actually add sleep at other times of the day, dozing during meetings and taking other intentional or unintentional naps.
And, you cannot train yourself to need less sleep.
You may get used to operating in an impaired state but your need for sleep remains the same. If you don't get the sleep you need you reduce your alertness, impairing your safety and your performance. There is also substantial evidence that you impair your learning ability, your cognitive abilities, and your longterm health.
And, beyond a very limited range you can never make up lost sleep. The person who holds the record for continuous wakefulness stayed awake more than 10 days. Afterwards, he slept for 14 hours. That's it. The other sleep lost was never recovered. So the learning and health impacts cannot be reversed. You've got to consistently get the sleep you need to perform your best in the short term and to maintain your health in the long term. It's that simple.
Over the weekend I read yet another article about sleep. It's nothing groundbreaking but it provides a very good overview. In Saturday's edition of The Cleveland Daily Banner (Cleveland, Ohio, USA) Dr. Rob Coombs wrote a short article on sleep that provides a good, basic overview of sleep -- the 4 sleep stages, the need for sleep, what makes us sleep, etc. You might want to check out Speaking on Sleep.
We've covered sleep and sleep tips many times on this blog, and I know we will continue to do so frequently. Some recent articles include:
- Shiftworker lifestyle training: fatigue countermeasures, sleep strategies, and more
- Handling long night shifts: 9 shiftworkers tips
- Lack of sleep for New Zealanders costs billions
Ed
Jan 13, 2008
Las Vegas's shiftworkers get voice in political caucuses
Democratic caucuses for the shiftworkers on the Las Vegas have become a point of contention.
There may be no place on earth where the 24/7 world is more vibrantly on display than the Las Vegas strip. Whenever caucuses would be held, some portion of these shiftworkers would therefore need to miss them since they would be working.
But, casino operators and Democratic party officials have arranged to hold caucuses at nine casinos on Las Vegas's famed "strip" along Las Vegas Boulevard. Employees at all nine casinos are represented by Culinary Workers Union 226 which has publicly endorsed Barack Obama. Those filing the suit claim that the location of the caucuses favors the union and disadvantages shiftworkers for non-organized casinos who may need to walk long distances or navigate the always-busy traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard to get to caucus sites.
Without wading into the political arena, I just think it's great that Nevada has recognized the special challenges shiftworkers face in facets of every day life. While I know many shiftworkers would like to ban their neighbors from mowing their lawn at 11:00 in the morning I don't think that's likely to happen on a widespread basis. But, there certainly are other steps local governments and civic leaders can take to better accomodate shiftworkers' needs.
What sort of similar arrangements could be made that would help your day-to-day life? Post your comment.
Ed
There may be no place on earth where the 24/7 world is more vibrantly on display than the Las Vegas strip. Whenever caucuses would be held, some portion of these shiftworkers would therefore need to miss them since they would be working.
But, casino operators and Democratic party officials have arranged to hold caucuses at nine casinos on Las Vegas's famed "strip" along Las Vegas Boulevard. Employees at all nine casinos are represented by Culinary Workers Union 226 which has publicly endorsed Barack Obama. Those filing the suit claim that the location of the caucuses favors the union and disadvantages shiftworkers for non-organized casinos who may need to walk long distances or navigate the always-busy traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard to get to caucus sites.
Without wading into the political arena, I just think it's great that Nevada has recognized the special challenges shiftworkers face in facets of every day life. While I know many shiftworkers would like to ban their neighbors from mowing their lawn at 11:00 in the morning I don't think that's likely to happen on a widespread basis. But, there certainly are other steps local governments and civic leaders can take to better accomodate shiftworkers' needs.
What sort of similar arrangements could be made that would help your day-to-day life? Post your comment.
Ed
Additional information on this story:
Jan 9, 2008
Police officers fight to keep 12-hour shift schedule
Police officers in Brookfield, Illinois, USA are fighting to keep the 12-hour shifts they have worked under since 2004. Prior to that time they worked an 8-hour shift schedule. Changing from 8-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts has been in vogue over the past decade or so. Initially many shiftworkers and unions opposed such a move but many have come to embrace it -- much to the surprise of many people not familiar with the shiftwork world.
Why? With a 12-hour shift schedule you get a lot more days off. And there can be many other advantages as well. In this case, police officers have refused to sign off on a new contract, which would increase their pay, until they get the shift length issue resolved. Foregoing increased pay ... I'd say they feel strongly about it. The police department is wanting to revert to an 8-hour shift schedule because the 12-hour shifts incur greater overtime charges. With appropriate training and proper implementation alertness and performance on 12-hour shifts can be maintained at safe levels without additional health risks.
I hope the dispute will be worked out soon, for everyone's sake. If all parties are flexible, there are ways to maintain cost neutrality when switching between 8-h0ur shifts and 12-hour shifts.
You'll find more details in "Cop contract will go to arbitration: Brookfield officers want to keep12-hour shift schedule" which appeared in the January 9, 2008 edition of the Riverside/Brookfield Landmark.
Why? With a 12-hour shift schedule you get a lot more days off. And there can be many other advantages as well. In this case, police officers have refused to sign off on a new contract, which would increase their pay, until they get the shift length issue resolved. Foregoing increased pay ... I'd say they feel strongly about it. The police department is wanting to revert to an 8-hour shift schedule because the 12-hour shifts incur greater overtime charges. With appropriate training and proper implementation alertness and performance on 12-hour shifts can be maintained at safe levels without additional health risks.
I hope the dispute will be worked out soon, for everyone's sake. If all parties are flexible, there are ways to maintain cost neutrality when switching between 8-h0ur shifts and 12-hour shifts.
You'll find more details in "Cop contract will go to arbitration: Brookfield officers want to keep12-hour shift schedule" which appeared in the January 9, 2008 edition of the Riverside/Brookfield Landmark.
Jan 8, 2008
Shiftwork schedules: fixed or rotating
Although some might think workers who always work the night shifts adapt or get used to their work times -- usually the longer somebody does something, the easier it becomes. Over time, many nightshift workers develop techniques to better maintain their alertness but the fact is most nightshift workers are not able to fully adapt and therefore, at least some time, they work in the fog of fatigue.
This fatigue happens because most nightshift workers revert to a day schedule when they're off from work, since that's when most of the world is awake during the day and sleeping at night. Also, many of the errands and chores that accumulate while we're working must be done during the day.
As a result most nightshift workers return to a day schedule so they never completely allow their sleep and body rhythms to adapt to being awake at night. They also sleep less during the day, so they don't recover from fatigue. This fatigue can carry over from day to day. Over several days, fatigue can accumulate to unsafe levels.
People working rotating shiftwork schedules face a similar situation. Because the shift times are always changing, they can never completely adapt to a set shift work schedule. Rotating shiftwork schedules are often used because they are considered fairer to all workers. Everybody in the workforce takes their turn at both the popular and unpopular shifts. Rotating shiftworkers are always trying to get used to changing work times.
This is not easy, which is why rotating shiftworkers have more complaints than other workers about physical health and psychological stress. Research has shown that rotating shifts have special features that might affect a person's ability to get used to the schedule.
I'll talk about those special features in future posts. -- Ed
This fatigue happens because most nightshift workers revert to a day schedule when they're off from work, since that's when most of the world is awake during the day and sleeping at night. Also, many of the errands and chores that accumulate while we're working must be done during the day.
As a result most nightshift workers return to a day schedule so they never completely allow their sleep and body rhythms to adapt to being awake at night. They also sleep less during the day, so they don't recover from fatigue. This fatigue can carry over from day to day. Over several days, fatigue can accumulate to unsafe levels.
People working rotating shiftwork schedules face a similar situation. Because the shift times are always changing, they can never completely adapt to a set shift work schedule. Rotating shiftwork schedules are often used because they are considered fairer to all workers. Everybody in the workforce takes their turn at both the popular and unpopular shifts. Rotating shiftworkers are always trying to get used to changing work times.
This is not easy, which is why rotating shiftworkers have more complaints than other workers about physical health and psychological stress. Research has shown that rotating shifts have special features that might affect a person's ability to get used to the schedule.
I'll talk about those special features in future posts. -- Ed
Source: Plain Language About Shiftwork (NIOSH)
Best practices for managing a shiftwork operation
In our previuos post, we discussed shiftworker lifestyle training as an important step for employers of shiftworkers to implement. Beyond shiftworker lifestyle training, a wide range of factors affect alertness and performance, and therefore the health, and safety of shiftworkers. Some of the most prominent are:
- Hiring practices
- Length of shift
- Shift schedule
- Rotating or fixed
- Overtime
- Work environment
- Overnight food selection.
In future posts on the National Shiftwork Information Center blog we'll look at each of these areas. Let us know your tips and practices so we can include them here.
Further reading:
* Shiftwork schedules in the 24/7 world
* Why managers in 24/7 need to pay attention to the special needs of shiftworkers
* Shiftwork schedules: fixed or rotating
* Shiftwork schedule factors: work-rest ratios and predictability
* Shiftwork schedule factors: speed and direction of rotation
* Shiftwork schedules: time of shift
* Hiring shiftworkers: best practices for managers in 24/7 operations
* Adapting to night shifts -- helping shiftworkers adapt and avoid shiftworker maladaptation
Jan 7, 2008
Snoring? It could be sleep apnea -- shiftworkers should particularly take note.
Sleep is a subject near and dear to most shiftworkers' hearts. So anything that reduces the number of hours, or the quality of, your sleep is important. Perhaps the most under-treated of all sleep disorders is sleep apnea -- a condition where your airway collapses causing you to stop breathing in your sleep. This in turn causes you to wake up, even if you're not aware that you're waking up. So you can wake up after spending 7 or 8 hours in bed but not feel particularly well rested. Risk factors include snoring, large neck size, and smoking.
Shiftworkers who snore heavily, or who are told they stopped breathing in the middle of their sleep, should consult their doctor or a sleep clinic. Sleep apnea has a number of treatment options that are highly effective. Get the sleep you need. Get checked.
An article in The Canadian Press discusses the topic of sleep apnea -- Snoring Could Mean Sleep Apnea.
Shiftworkers who snore heavily, or who are told they stopped breathing in the middle of their sleep, should consult their doctor or a sleep clinic. Sleep apnea has a number of treatment options that are highly effective. Get the sleep you need. Get checked.
An article in The Canadian Press discusses the topic of sleep apnea -- Snoring Could Mean Sleep Apnea.
Jan 1, 2008
A blog for Shiftworkers and their Managers
In the spring of 1995, I co-founded Circadian Information with Dr. Martin Moore-Ede, a world-renowned expert on circadian alertness and fatigue. Our intent was to create a publishing business that would serve the growing number of businesses that operated 24/7, to help them improve the health, safety, and alertness of their employees. We also had some publications for individual shiftworkers, to help them and their family members successfully handle the demands of an atypical work schedule.
We published the Shiftworker Family Calendar (now the Working Nights Family Calendar), Shiftwork Alert (a monthly newsletter for managers in 24/7 operations), Working Nights (a monthly newsletter for shiftworkers and their family members), Alertness on Track (for railroad workers), and numerous booklets and management reports. We were fairly successful at that and these publications, now part of Circadian Technologies, Inc., continue to this day.
I have never lost my interest in the subject of alertness and performance for shiftworkers and others who work at night. I have also always been aware that the type of expert information we published at Circadian Information, is only one piece of the puzzle. That's why I founded the National Shiftwork Information Center.
Shiftworker-to-shiftworker help and advice is an important element. A lot of this stuff is not rocket science but it can take a little while to learn. I'm creating this blog -- the National Shifwork Information Center -- to provide a forum for shiftworkers to share information among themselves. We will talk about important topics like sleep, napping, diet, caffeine/stimulants, lifestyle, human physiology, human factors, work performance, safety, and whatever else you want to discuss. I'll also provide links to other online resources I find that you might find useful.
Although I've covered this topic for a long time I don't know all the answers. But, I know that somewhere out there, someone does. And, your feedback on my posts, your suggestions, your critiques of other web resources, will all help make this a more valuable resource for you and the millions of people who work at night. So let's hear from you.
Note about the term "Shiftworker"
For lack of a better word, I tend to use the word "shiftworker" to describe anyone whose schedule has them working more than half of the time outside of the 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. time frame. I realize that includes the factory and utility workers we tend to think of as shiftworkers, but it also includes healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, technicians, etc.), transportation workers (pilots, flight attendants, ground crews, railroad engineers and conductors, truck drivers, merchant mariners, etc.), public safety (police, firefighters, military, secret service, etc.), and many others who need to be able to maintain alertness in the overnight hours to ensure effective and safe performance.
Please tell your friends and colleagues about this resource. It exists to help you, and them, improve health, safety, and quality of life. I hope that sounds pretty good. And it's free!
Ed Coburn
Executive Director and Blogger-in-Chief
National Shiftwork Information Center
We published the Shiftworker Family Calendar (now the Working Nights Family Calendar), Shiftwork Alert (a monthly newsletter for managers in 24/7 operations), Working Nights (a monthly newsletter for shiftworkers and their family members), Alertness on Track (for railroad workers), and numerous booklets and management reports. We were fairly successful at that and these publications, now part of Circadian Technologies, Inc., continue to this day.
I have never lost my interest in the subject of alertness and performance for shiftworkers and others who work at night. I have also always been aware that the type of expert information we published at Circadian Information, is only one piece of the puzzle. That's why I founded the National Shiftwork Information Center.
Shiftworker-to-shiftworker help and advice is an important element. A lot of this stuff is not rocket science but it can take a little while to learn. I'm creating this blog -- the National Shifwork Information Center -- to provide a forum for shiftworkers to share information among themselves. We will talk about important topics like sleep, napping, diet, caffeine/stimulants, lifestyle, human physiology, human factors, work performance, safety, and whatever else you want to discuss. I'll also provide links to other online resources I find that you might find useful.
Although I've covered this topic for a long time I don't know all the answers. But, I know that somewhere out there, someone does. And, your feedback on my posts, your suggestions, your critiques of other web resources, will all help make this a more valuable resource for you and the millions of people who work at night. So let's hear from you.
Note about the term "Shiftworker"
For lack of a better word, I tend to use the word "shiftworker" to describe anyone whose schedule has them working more than half of the time outside of the 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. time frame. I realize that includes the factory and utility workers we tend to think of as shiftworkers, but it also includes healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, technicians, etc.), transportation workers (pilots, flight attendants, ground crews, railroad engineers and conductors, truck drivers, merchant mariners, etc.), public safety (police, firefighters, military, secret service, etc.), and many others who need to be able to maintain alertness in the overnight hours to ensure effective and safe performance.
Please tell your friends and colleagues about this resource. It exists to help you, and them, improve health, safety, and quality of life. I hope that sounds pretty good. And it's free!
Ed Coburn
Executive Director and Blogger-in-Chief
National Shiftwork Information Center
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