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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”.
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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, 987-996. 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, 813-818. 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, 1105-1123.