AND OUR LOVE / HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH IT.

Transcription

1 AND OUR LOVE / HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH IT.

2 SHIFTWORK Nearly ¼ of the U.S. Work force does some form of shiftwork. Shiftwork allows for continuous services and production 24 hours a day, and is outside the day-shift hours of 7:00 am 6:00 pm. The problem with rotating shifts stem mainly from working in opposition to the body s normal rhythms. Two main issues: Physiological needs (rhythms) and Job Satisfaction (e.g., family activities)

3 SHIFT WORK REM sleep needed for proper rest REM sleep decreases substantially when the sleep cycle is during the day Workers on permanent night shifts get more sleep than those who rotate weekly Rapidly rotating shifts (rotate every 2-3 days) get more sleep than weekly shifts

4 SHIFT WORK SHIFTWORK POSITIVES More daytime available time for family and friends. Better pay (shift differential) Time to attend school or other interests. Quieter than the day shift and fewer supervisors???? Swing shift easily adapted SHIFTWORK NEGATIVES Digestive Disorders Fatigue Stress Difficulty Meeting Family Responsibilities Sleep

5 DIGESTIVE DISORDERS RECOMMENTDATIONS: Shift workers tend to have a poorer diet and reduced access to wholesome foods. Increased snacking. Increase in ulcers, indigestion, and heartburn. Frequent stomach aches. Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite. Provide exercise equipment on site. Provide a full kitchen on site, where workers can cook a hot, nutritious meal. (Not just a microwave) Avoid salty, high fat, greasy & acidic foods. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption. Schedule regular meals. Try to avoid fast food and vending machines by bringing a bagged meal to work. Try to meet recommended nutrition requirements (vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy & grains). After night shift eat moderate breakfast

6 FATIGUE Disturbance of biological rhythms affect: Concentration Reaction Time Motivation Memory Chronic fatigue & insomnia Disruption of sleep patterns RECOMMENDATIONS: Schedule the most demanding work for the day shift when workers are the most alert, if possible. Do not schedule more than 5 to 7 shifts in a row w/o time off. The workplace must be well lit. Avoid excessive overtime. Schedule shorter, more frequent breaks throughout the shift. Workers need training on the steps they can take to reduce the negative effects of shift work.

7 stress May result from lack of socializing with family and friends. Hard to plan for family responsibilities & take part in regular job activities. Rotation makes it hard to form routines. Leads to anxiety, high blood pressure & heart disease. Decreases job satisfaction and motivation. RECOMMENDATIONS: Plan shift in advance. Keep schedules flexible by allowing workers to trade shifts. Schedule time off over the weekends. Try to get adequate sleep and exercise. Plan days off in advance if possible. Try to prioritize tasks and tackle one at a time.

8 DIFFICULTY MEETING FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES Difficulty finding child care. Not enough time to spend with spouse and children. Missing out on activities at school, sports and clubs with family. Increase in arguments & lack of communication with spouse. RECOMMENDATIONS: 24 hour day care solutions. Use a calendar to schedule events & activities. Plan activities around your time off. Plan to have at least one meal together a day. Set aside time for just you and your spouse. Develop good communication skills.

9 SLEEP Shiftwork can lead to chronic fatigue and insomnia. Shiftwork can lead to disruption of sleep patterns. Sleep loss can lead to chronic fatigue, persistent anxiety or depression, substance abuse and decreased alertness. RECOMMENDATIONS: Rotate shifts forward. Provide at least 48 hours between shifts changes to allow the body to adjust. Avoid exercise, caffeine and alcohol before going to sleep. Inform family & friends of your schedule. Wear eye masks and ear plugs while sleeping.

10 SLEEP RECOMMENDATIONS: Maintain the same sleep schedule. Good sleeping environment such as heavy shades, cool room, acoustical materials, ear plugs, on-off phone switch Day sleeper sign Relaxation techniques Train children to respect sleeping hours

11 The End