Consciousness in the Workplace Module from SIOP

Circadian Rhythms The natural, approximately 24-hour rhythm of our bodies Body temperature, blood pressure, hormone release, and other factors are all on this “clock”

Shiftwork: Other than “9 to 5” Most estimates have at least 25% of US workers on non-standard shifts – Evening/”second” shift – Overnight/”third” shift Being active while our bodies are naturally preparing to “power down” can lead to difficulties

The Possibility of Adaptation People can adjust to shiftwork – As ever, there are individual differences A complicating factor: “Rotating” shiftwork – Often used by companies that feel like they shouldn’t always “force” a small group of people to work less desirable shifts – Much harder to adapt to rotating shiftwork than a full-time shiftwork schedule

Shiftwork Sleep Disorder (SWSD) People on shiftwork schedules may develop SWSD – Sleep interruption due to shiftwork leads to excessive sleepiness and insomnia Possible workplace effects of SWSD – More accidents – More job-related errors – More sick time – More mood problems Source: The Cleveland Clinic

Work-Family Balance A growing area of research on shiftwork deals with the challenges it presents to balancing work and non-work lives. Effects include the following: Economic: One family member on a shiftwork schedule restricts when others can work Social: Creates a limited “window” for social activities, and a limited group with whom to pursue them Emotional: The fatigue associated with altered sleep schedules does affect how we interact with loved ones

Where next? Chronobiology: Branch of biology that seeks to understand effects of naturally-occurring cycles on our bodies and how they function The biology of shiftwork will clearly have a huge impact on the psychology of shiftwork

For more information… Akerstedt, T., Nordin, M., Alfredsson, L., Westerholm, P., & Kecklund, G. (2010). Sleep and sleepiness: Impact of entering or leaving shiftwork—A prospective study. Chronobiology International, 27, Asaoka, S., Namba, K., Tsuiki, S., Komada, Y., & Inoue, Y. (2010). Excessive daytime sleepiness among Japanese public transportation drivers engaged in shiftwork. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 52, Camerino, D., Sandri, M., Sartori, S., Conway, P. M., Campanini, P., & Costa, G. (2010). Shiftwork, work-family conflict among Italian nurses, and prevention efficacy. Chronobiology International, 27,