1. The Effects of Shift Work on Employees
Feeling Sleepy?
The Effects of Shift Work on Employees

2. Who is a shift worker?
A shift worker is anyone whose work schedule falls outside the normal business day (7am-6pm) or normal daylight hours
Common hours for a shift worker are evening hours or the middle of the night (11pm-7am)
Rotating shifts is common – switching between day shifts and night shifts

3. Who is a shift worker?
More than 15 million Americans are shift workers
Shift workers include doctors, nurses, pilots, police officers, fire fighters, customer service representatives, and meteorologists

4. The need for shift workers
Shift work can
increase productivity through added labor
help meet the demands of our 24-hour society
provide emergency service outside of regular business hours

5. Potential risks of shift work
Excessive sleepiness
Fatigue in the work place
Chronic illnesses
Difficultly of balancing sleep, work, and personal/family time

6. Excessive Sleepiness Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep
According to National Sleep Foundation polls, the majority of people do not get enough sleep
Shift workers are forced to fight the circadian clock
The circadian clock, the 24 hour wake-sleep cycle, explains that the strongest desire to sleep is between midnight and 6am
It is difficult to stay awake during night shifts and equally difficult to fall asleep during the day
Most shift workers get less sleep than daytime workers
Lack of sleep can harm a person’s productivity, safety, health, memory, and mood

7. The Circadian Clock
The Circadian Rhythm shows that the sleep urge peaks at midnight and extends through 6am

8. Fatigue in the Work Place
Night shifts and lack of sleep can lead to fatigue in the work place
10-20% of night shift workers fall asleep on the job
Some workers experience “microsleep”, an short period of sleep, lasting a few seconds, caused by sleep deprivation
Shift workers can make more mistakes, move more slowly, and have more trouble remembering things
It is important for shift workers to be awake and alert on night shifts
Critical responsibilities: in hospitals, on police forces, for customer and public service, and for other emergencies

9. Chronic Illnesses
Shift workers are more at risk for illnesses and disorders
Sleep apnea – a sleep disorder found in 11.6% of the shift work population (5% of the total population), that includes symptoms of insomnia, reduced performance, irritability, and disrupted sleep schedules
Cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases

10. Chronic Illnesses Shift workers are also more likely to have
Stomach problems
Menstrual irregularities
Colds
Flu
Weight gain
Higher blood pressure

11. Work/Life Balance
A shift worker must deal with the difficulties of working during the night, sleeping during the day, and yet still finding enough time and energy for family, friends, and activities

12. Managing a Shift Work Schedule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends several ways for management to improve shift work
Keep consecutive night shifts to a minimum
Avoid quick shift changes and keep the schedule regular and predictable
Keep long shift work and overtime to a minimum
Examine start-end times
Plan some time-off or free weekends

13. Safe and Productive Working Conditions
Employers can help ease the strain of shift work
Providing the right amount of lighting and heat/air conditioning
Provide a cafeteria with meals or encourage bringing nutritious food from home
Plan for rest breaks

14. Staying Alert on a Night Shift
Work with other employees and engage in conversation
Be active during breaks
Eat a light, healthy meal during your shift, as part of a 3 meal/day diet
Don’t leave the less interesting work for the last few hours of the shift (night shift workers feel the most tired around 4 or 5am)
If consuming a caffeinated beverage, do so before 3am or early in the shift

15. Getting Enough Sleep Make sleep a priority
Take short naps in the evening or during the middle of the day
Develop a schedule for sleeping after night shifts
Follow regular bedtime habits before sleeping and try to sleep in a dark, quiet place by blocking out light and sounds
Avoid alcohol or caffeine before bedtime
Make time to relax or exercise to relieve any stress caused by work

16. From the Eyes of a Shift Worker…
According to National Weather Service meteorologist, James Richardson:
Disadvantages of Shift Work
Sleeping during the day after a night shift
Missing out on family time
Driving home while tired – 30 minute commute
Advantages of Shift Work
Days off in the middle of the week
Less commute time (non-rush hour)

17. From the Eyes of a Shift Worker…
The National Weather Service manages shift work scheduling to improve employee safety and efficiency
Duties and forecasting deadlines keep workers busy and alert
Most deadlines are at 5am, which gives a few hours after the deadlines to work on extra things
Scheduling with rotations and adequate staff
2 forecasters and 1 technician on duty during a night shift
Typical schedule:
3-4 evening (2pm-10pm or 4pm-midnight) shifts
Next day after last evening shift, go in at midnight
3-4 midnight shifts (12am-8am) in a row
Followed by 2 days off
5-6 day shifts (7am-3pm or 8am-4pm)

18. In Conclusion Shift work has several disadvantages
However, our 24-hour society demands shift work
Many different actions can be taken in order to improve productivity and the well-being of each employees

19. References Richardson, James. Personal Interview. 10 Dec. 2006.
Rosa, Roger R. and Michael J. Colligan. “Plain Language about Shiftwork.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. July U.S. Department of Health and Human Service. 5 Dec
“Shift Work.” National Sleep Foundation SleeptionaryTM National Sleep Foundation (NSF). 5 Dec
The Working Group on Challenges Facing NWS Shift Workers. “The Challenges Facing National Weather Service Shift Workers.” National Weather Service Employees Organization. 16 July Dec Dec 2006

20. Graphics
Arthur, Don. “Circadian Rhythm – Normal.” Chart. 9 Dec
“Aviation.” Graphic. 9 Dec
“Fire fighter.” Graphic. City of Clovis California. 9 Dec
“Laying fire.” Graphic. USDA Forest Service. 9 Dec
“National Weather Service.” Graphics. National Weather Service. 11 Dec