scholarly journals Shift Work and Cognitive Flexibility: Decomposing Task Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Cheng ◽  
Gabriel Tallent ◽  
Thomas John Bender ◽  
Kieulinh Michelle Tran ◽  
Christopher L. Drake
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Switch Cost ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Cognitive Effort ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Circadian Phase

Deficits in cognitive functioning associated with shift work are particularly relevant to occupational performance; however, few studies have examined how cognitive functioning is associated with specific components of shift work. This observational study examined how circadian phase, nocturnal sleepiness, and daytime insomnia in a sample of shift workers ( N = 30) were associated with cognitive flexibility during the night shift. Cognitive flexibility was measured using a computerized task-switching paradigm, which produces 2 indexes of flexibility: switch cost and set inhibition. Switch cost represents the additional cognitive effort required in switching to a different task and can impact performance when multitasking is involved. Set inhibition is the efficiency in returning to previously completed tasks and represents the degree of cognitive perseveration, which can lead to reduced accuracy. Circadian phase was measured via melatonin assays, nocturnal sleepiness was assessed using the Multiple Sleep Latency Test, and daytime insomnia was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index. Results indicated that those with an earlier circadian phase, insomnia, and sleepiness exhibited reduced cognitive flexibility; however, specific components of cognitive flexibility were differentially associated with circadian phase, insomnia, and sleepiness. Individuals with an earlier circadian phase (thus more misaligned to the night shift) exhibited larger switch costs, which was also associated with reduced task efficiency. Shift workers with more daytime insomnia demonstrated difficulties with cognitive inhibition, whereas nocturnal sleepiness was associated with difficulties in reactivating previous tasks. Deficits in set inhibition were also related to reduced accuracy and increased perseverative errors. Together, this study indicates that task performance deficits in shift work are complex and are variably impacted by different mechanisms. Future research may examine phenotypic differences in shift work and the associated consequences. Results also suggest that fatigue risk management strategies may benefit from increased scope and specificity in assessment of sleep, sleepiness, and circadian rhythms in shift workers.

A Review of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Shift Work, Gender

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Zuo ◽  
Felicia Jefferson
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Eye Movement ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Gender Specific

The purpose of the review is to make connections between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and shift work while giving special attention to the factor of gender and rapid eye movement sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that has various detrimental effects on health and cognitive functioning. The prevalence and symptoms of OSA appear to be gender specific. The current clinical guideline has not yet included the evaluation of fatigue, the common symptoms among women with OSA, which may lead to an under diagnosis of OSA among women. Rapid eye movement sleep is associated with more severe OSA episodes. Shift work has a similar range of effects on health and cognitive functioning, however, it affects workers through both sleep disturbance and circadian disruption. Gender specific effects have also been observed among shift workers. Night shift interacts with REM sleep and may lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Finally, we proposed the question, “Is there a difference in the REM sleep of male and female night shift workers with OSA,” and “How is cognitive functioning of these two groups affected by the interaction of OSA and shift work?”.

Association between night-shift work, sleep quality and metabolic syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (10) ◽  
pp. 716-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yin Cheng Lim ◽  
Victor C W Hoe ◽  
Azlan Darus ◽  
Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Global Score ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Night Shift Work

ObjectivesOccupational factors, particularly night-shift work, are attracting growing interest as a possible determinant of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to determine the association between night-shift work and MetS, and assess whether sleep quality is a mediating factor.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among Malaysian manufacturing workers, aged 40–65 years old. They completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographics, lifestyle and family history, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein levels were measured. Baron and Kenny’s method, Sobel test and multiple mediation models with bootstrapping were used to determine whether the PSQI global score or its components mediated the association between night-shift work and MetS.ResultsOf the 494 participants, 177 (36%) worked night shift and 51% were men. The prevalence of MetS was 37%. Night-shift work was independently associated with a twofold increase in the risk of MetS (adjusted OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.97). However, the association between night-shift work and MetS did not appear to be modified by sex. Night-shift workers also reported significantly poorer sleep quality, longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration, sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction. Robust mediation analysis nonetheless showed that neither PSQI global score nor its components mediated the association between night-shift work and MetS.ConclusionEarly screening and management of MetS and the development of programmes to improve sleep quality should be carried out among night-shift workers. Future research should investigate other modifiable mediators linking night-shift work and MetS.

scholarly journals Predicting circadian misalignment with wearable technology: validation of wrist-worn actigraphy and photometry in night shift workers

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Cheng ◽  
Olivia Walch ◽  
Yitong Huang ◽  
Caleb Mayer ◽  
Chaewon Sagong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Circadian Misalignment ◽  
Circadian Phase ◽  
Model Code ◽  
Sleep Timing ◽  
Wrist Actigraphy ◽  
Dim Light

Abstract Study Objectives A critical barrier to successful treatment of circadian misalignment in shift workers is determining circadian phase in a clinical or field setting. Light and movement data collected passively from wrist actigraphy can generate predictions of circadian phase via mathematical models; however, these models have largely been tested in non-shift working adults. This study tested the feasibility and accuracy of actigraphy in predicting dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) in fixed night shift workers. Methods A sample of 45 night shift workers wore wrist actigraphs before completing DLMO in the laboratory (17.0 days ± 10.3 SD). DLMO was assessed via 24 hourly saliva samples in dim light (<10 lux). Data from actigraphy were provided as input to a mathematical model to generate predictions of circadian phase. Agreement was assessed and compared to average sleep timing on non-workdays as a proxy of DLMO. Model code and an open-source prototype assessment tool are available (www.predictDLMO.com). Results Model predictions of DLMO showed good concordance with in-lab DLMO, with Lin’s concordance coefficient of 0.70, which was twice as high as agreement using average sleep timing as a proxy of DLMO. The absolute mean error of the predictions was 2.88 h, with 76% and 91% of the predictions falling with 2 and 4 h, respectively. Conclusion This study is the first to demonstrate the use of wrist actigraphy-based estimates of circadian phase as a clinically useful and valid alternative to in-lab measurement of DLMO in fixed night shift workers. Future research should explore how additional predictors may impact accuracy.

scholarly journals 0006 The Role of Stress in Sleep in Night Shift Workers: Going Beyond Circadian Misalignment

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A2-A3
Author(s):  
E Schaap ◽  
C Sagong ◽  
A S Cuamatzi Castelan ◽  
J Sayed ◽  
T Roth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Circadian Misalignment ◽  
Circadian Phase ◽  
Falling Asleep ◽  
Dim Light

Abstract Introduction Despite a growing need for nighttime work, few studies have characterized the causes of sleep disturbance in night shift workers beyond circadian misalignment. Recent research suggest that high sleep reactivity to stress (a predisposition for sleep disturbance due to stress) may also lead to sleep difficulties in shift workers. This study investigated if sleep reactivity is an independent predictor of daytime sleep disturbances after controlling for circadian phase. Methods Night shift workers (N= 48) completed an 8 hour polysomnography (PSG) during the daytime following a night shift (9am - 4pm). Circadian phase was measured using melatonin assays of saliva samples collected over 24 hours under dim light (<10 lux; Dim Light Melatonin Onset [DLMO]). Sleep reactivity was measured using the Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST). Linear regressions were conducted with PSG sleep parameters as outcome variables: difficulty falling asleep (Sleep Onset Latency [SOL] and Latency to Persistent Sleep [LPS]), difficulty staying asleep (Wake After Sleep Onset [WASO]), and sleep duration (Total Sleep Time [TST]). FIRST was tested as a predictor controlling for DLMO. Results After controlling for circadian phase, higher FIRST scores was associated with more difficulty staying asleep (WASO: t[45]=4.059, p<0.001) and shorter sleep duration (TST: t[45] = -4.403, p<0.0001), but not predictive of difficulty falling asleep (SOL: p>0.05). However, higher FIRST scores did predict a longer latency to persistent sleep (LPS: t[45]=2.272, p<0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that sleep reactivity to stress and circadian misalignment are independent processes that are both associated with disrupted daytime sleep in night shift workers. Given that night shift work can also cause psychosocial stress, treatments focused on circadian misalignment alone may not be sufficient. Our study highlights the need to consider sleep reactivity in the clinical management of shift work disorder. Support Support for this study was provided to PC by NHLBI (K23HL138166).

A Review of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Shift Work, Gender

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Zuo ◽  
Joshua Jefferson
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Eye Movement ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Gender Specific

The purpose of the review is to make connections between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and shift work while giving special attention to the factor of gender and rapid eye movement sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that has various detrimental effects on health and cognitive functioning. The prevalence and symptoms of OSA appear to be gender specific. The current clinical guideline has not yet included the evaluation of fatigue, the common symptoms among women with OSA, which may lead to an under diagnosis of OSA among women. Rapid eye movement sleep is associated with more severe OSA episodes. Shift work has a similar range of effects on health and cognitive functioning, however, it affects workers through both sleep disturbance and circadian disruption. Gender specific effects have also been observed among shift workers. Night shift interacts with REM sleep and may lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Finally, we proposed the question, “Is there a difference in the REM sleep of male and female night shift workers with OSA,” and “How is cognitive functioning of these two groups affected by the interaction of OSA and shift work?”.

scholarly journals Postprandial hormone and metabolic responses amongst shift workers in Antarctica

2001 ◽  
Vol 171 (3) ◽  
pp. 557-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Lund ◽  
J Arendt ◽  
SM Hampton ◽  
J English ◽  
LM Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Shift Work ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Postprandial Glucose ◽  
Metabolic Responses ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Circadian Phase ◽  
The Uk

The circadian rhythms of many night-shift workers are maladapted to their imposed behavioural schedule, and this factor may be implicated in the increased occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) reported in shift workers. One way in which CVD risk could be mediated is through inappropriate hormonal and metabolic responses to meals. This study investigated the responses to standard meals at different circadian times in a group of night-shift workers on a British Antarctic Survey station at Halley Bay (75 degrees S) in Antarctica. Twelve healthy subjects (ten men and two women) were recruited. Their postprandial hormone and metabolic responses to an identical mixed test meal of 3330 kJ were measured on three occasions: (i) during daytime on a normal working day, (ii) during night-time at the beginning of a period of night-shift work, and (iii) during the daytime on return from night working to daytime working. Venous blood was taken for 9 h after the meal for the measurement of glucose, insulin, triacylglycerol (TAG) and non-esterified fatty acids. Urine was collected 4-hourly (longer during sleep) on each test day for assessment of the circadian phase via 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) assay. During normal daytime working, aMT6s acrophase was delayed (7.7+/-1.0 h (s.e.m.)) compared with that previously found in temperate zones in a comparable age-group. During the night shift a further delay was evident (11.8+/-1.9 h) and subjects' acrophases remained delayed 2 days after return to daytime working (12.4+/-1.8 h). Integrated postprandial glucose, insulin and TAG responses were significantly elevated during the night shift compared with normal daytime working. Two days after their return to daytime working, subjects' postprandial glucose and insulin responses had returned to pre-shift levels; however, integrated TAG levels remained significantly elevated. These results are very similar to those previously found in simulated night-shift conditions; it is the first time such changes have been reported in real shift workers in field conditions. They provide evidence that the abnormal metabolic responses to meals taken at night during unadapted night shifts are due, at least in part, to a relative insulin resistance, which could contribute to the documented cardiovascular morbidity associated with shift work. When applied to the 20% of the UK workforce currently employed on shift work, these findings have major significance from an occupational health perspective.

scholarly journals Effect of work schedule on prospective antidepressant prescriptions in Sweden: a 2-year sex-stratified analysis using national drug registry data

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e023247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L Hall ◽  
Göran Kecklund ◽  
Constanze Leineweber ◽  
Philip Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Shift Work ◽  
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Night Work ◽  
Registry Data ◽  
Chemical System ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Work Schedule ◽  
Drug Register

IntroductionDepression-related mood disorders affect millions of people worldwide and contribute to substantial morbidity and disability, yet little is known about the effects of work scheduling on depression. This study used a large Swedish survey to prospectively examine the effects of work schedule on registry-based antidepressant prescriptions in females and males over a 2-year period.MethodsThe study was based on an approximately representative sample (n=3980 males, 4663 females) of gainfully employed participants in the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health. Sex-stratified analyses were conducted using logistic regression. For exposure, eight categories described work schedule in 2008: ‘regular days’ (three categories of night work history: none, ≤3 years, 4+ years), ‘night shift work’, ‘regular shift work (no nights)’, ‘rostered work (no nights)’, ‘flexible/non-regulated hours’ and ‘other’. For the primary outcome measure, all prescriptions coded N06A according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical System were obtained from the Swedish National Prescribed Drug Register and dichotomised into ‘any’ or ‘no’ prescriptions between 2008 and 2010. Estimates were adjusted for potential sociodemographic, health and work confounders, and for prior depressive symptoms.ResultsIn 2008, 22% of females versus 19% of males worked outside of regular daytime schedule. Registered antidepressant prescription rates in the postsurvey period were 11.4% for females versus 5.8% for males. In fully adjusted models, females in ‘flexible/non-regulated’ schedules showed an increased OR for prospective antidepressant prescriptions (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.08 to 3.76). In males, odds ratios were most increased in those working ‘other’ schedules (OR=1.72, 95% CI=0.75 to 3.94) and ‘Regular days with four or more years’ history of night work’ (OR=1.54, 95% CI=0.93 to 2.56).ConclusionsThis study’s findings support a relationship between work schedule and prospective antidepressant prescriptions in the Swedish workforce. Future research should continue to assess sex-stratified relationships, using detailed shift work exposure categories and objective registry data where possible.

scholarly journals Disturbances of Autonomic Regulation of Cardiovascular System at Different Working Regimes with Night Shifts

Kardiologiia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (9) ◽  
pp. 62-67
Author(s):  
Yu. A. Merkulov ◽  
A. A. Pyatkov ◽  
S. G. Gorokhova ◽  
D. M. Merkulova ◽  
O. Yu. Atkov
Keyword(s):  
Shift Work ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Autonomic Regulation ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Orthostatic Test ◽  
Heart Rhythm Variability ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Rotating Shift Work ◽  
Night Shifts

Aim        To study temporal and spectral characteristics of heart rhythm variability (HRV) in night shift workers.Materials and methods       Along with traditional risk factors, conditions of labor contribute to development of cardiovascular morbidity, including night shift work, which can be associated with disorders of the autonomic regulation detected by analysis of HRV. This study included 100 healthy men. 74 of them were engaged in shift work, including 53 men with rotating shift work, 21 men with fixed night shifts, and 26 men with day-time work. HRV was analyzed by data of 5-min electrocardiogram recording (background recording and orthostatic test).Results   Night-shift workers had decreases in total power of regulation (ТР, SDNN) and in the parasympathetic branch (HF, pNN50). Rotating night-shift workers displayed significant decreases in SDNN and pNN50 and pronounced changes in the VLF / LF / HF ratio in the orthostatic test.Conclusion            In work with night shifts, the type of autonomic regulation differs from the “standard” functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This study showed different effects of night work regimens on HRV indexes. With the rotating shift work, the ANS dysregulation was more profound and was evident by a significant decrease in the ANS total tone and parasympathetic activity (SDNN, pNN50) compared to night shifts with fixed working hours. The excessive weakening of the parasympathetic component in the passive orthostatic test can be considered as an early marker for ANS maladaptation. 

Serotonin variations and sleep disorders among shift workers. A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 074823372110331
Author(s):  
Rehab Shehata Abdelhady Shehata ◽  
Zeinab Ahmed Mohamed Nour ◽  
Amul Mohamed Abdelrahim Badr ◽  
Eman Mahmoud Khalifa
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Serotonin Level ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Blood Serotonin

Sleep disorders are prevalent occupational health problems among shift workers, especially healthcare workers with long shifts. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter related to circadian variations accompanied by shift work. A cross-sectional study was performed on 73 nurses at a tertiary hospital in Cairo, Egypt, to assess sleep quality among shift work nurses (SWNs), to determine blood serotonin level, and its relation to shift work and sleep quality. A demographic and occupational history questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and measurement of blood serotonin were carried out to the studied group. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25, and descriptive statistics, unpaired t-test, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis Test, Chi-square, Spearman correlation, and multivariate regression analysis were utilized. The results showed that the mean PSQI global score was significantly higher among SWNs than non-shift work nurses (NSWNs) and was the highest (10.32 ± 3.56 and 10.22 ± 2.4, respectively) among rotatory and fixed night shift nurses. Blood serotonin showed highly significant differences between SWNs over NSWNs ( p = 0.001), and mostly reduced among rotatory and fixed night shift nurses (66.7% and 65%, respectively). Moreover, there were highly significant differences in serotonin levels between poor and good sleep quality nurses ( p < 0.001), and most of the poor sleep quality nurses (62.7%) had low serotonin levels. Abnormal serotonin level (odds = 246.5) and working years (odds = 1.2) were statistically significant predictors of poor sleep quality. In conclusion, SWNs, especially rotating and night shift nurses, suffer from poor sleep quality associated with abnormal levels of blood serotonin.

scholarly journals The Effect of Shift Work and Poor Sleep on Self-Reported Skin Conditions: A Survey of Call Center Agents in the Philippines

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francine Lu ◽  
Amanda Suggs ◽  
Harib Ezaldein ◽  
Jason Ya ◽  
Pingfu Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Skin Disease ◽  
Call Center ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Skin Conditions

Night shift workers may have a disrupted circadian rhythm, which may contribute to the development of skin disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a significant difference in the prevalence and severity of self-reported skin disease between “regular” day shift workers compared to “graveyard” night shift workers. We conducted surveys from 630 call center agents in Manila, the Philippines, and they were analyzed regarding demographics, medical history, dermatologic history, lifestyle, and sleep. No difference was found in the prevalence of skin disease between shifts. However, night shift workers were worse sleepers. When compared to good sleepers, poor sleepers had a higher prevalence of skin disease with worse severity. Graveyard shift workers with poor sleep may have increased skin disease severity.

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