SHIFT WORK HEALTH Dr Omid Aminian Shift Work

SHIFT WORK & HEALTH Dr Omid Aminian

Shift Work n n Shift work involves work at times other than normal daylight hours 7: 00 AM to 7: 00 PM 10%-20% all workers are doing shift work Night and shift work have been associated with: Immediate risk to worker safety Long term risk to worker health Up to 20% of all worker are unable to tolerate working at night

Biologic Rhythms n n n Ultradian: frequency of less than one cycle every 20 h for example REM Infradian: periods greater than 28 h for example menstural cycle Circadian: oscillate with a frequency close the 24 h for example body temperature Human biologic rhythms have a 25 h cycle

Human variable observed to follow a circadian rhythms n n n n Body temperature Serum corticosteroids & electrlytes Cardiovascular functions Gasteric enzyms secretion Leukocyte count Muscle strength Alertness & mood Immediate & long term memory

Shift lag - Dyschronism n n n Strong circadian control: Body temperature Hypothalamic –pituitary-adrenal axis Weak circadian control: Sleep-wake cycle Dyschronosis: Disruption of the circadian system

Sleep Deprivation n n Sleep deprivation is the most significant complaint in shift work About 62% of night worker complain sleep deprivation Shift work affects not only sleep length but also sleep quality REM decrease in the sleep after night work

Condition That May Be Exacerbate By Shift Work n n n n Sleep disorder Asthma Coronary artery disease Psychiatric disorder Epilepsy Gasterointestinal disease Shift maladaption syndrome Long-term drug therapy

Shift Work maladaptation syndrome n n n n 10%-20% all shift worker Chronic sleep disturbance & fatigue Gasterointestinal symptoms Alcohol and drug abuse Depression Difficult inter personal relationships Use of sleeping pills Higher accident

n n 40, 000 Americans suffer from sleep disorders that effect the quality and quantity of their sleep. Only 35% of adults sleep the recommended 8 hours or more per night during the work week. 56% of adults report symptoms of insomnia a few nights a week. n

Common Negative Effects of Shift Work n Lack of Communication n between staff on different shifts. Lack of “Teamwork”. Lack of concentration while on duty. Potential Unsafe Conditions. Stress/fatigue. n SHIFT LAG. n n n

Shift Lag n Mental Symptoms Increased Irritability-Stress-Forgetfulness Psychiatric disorder n Physical Symptoms Sleep disorder-Coronary artery disease. Gasterointestinal disease- Shift maladaption syndrome. Reproductive effects