0173 Improving Well-being by Changing the Shiftwork Schedules at U.S. Navy Watchfloors

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Watchfloors provide around-the-clock information, intelligence, and technical support to the U.S. military. Active-duty service members (ADSMs) working on these 24/7 watchfloors stand watches to include night shifts and/or frequent shift rotations. Tailoring shiftwork schedules to optimize individual sleep patterns may reduce the negative effects of shiftwork. The purpose of this study was to test whether a new shiftwork schedule would improve ADSM well-being and sleep. Methods ADSMs (N=79; 83.5% males, 91.2% enlisted, 19 to 54 years of age) participated in a two-phase quasi-experimental longitudinal study to assess well-being and sleep before and after the implementation of a new shiftwork schedule. Both schedules involved three rotating shifts: day shift (0730-1530), evening shift (1320-2330), and night shift (2330-0730). The old schedule had 5 successive days on-shift (5-on/4-off) and the new schedule had 4 successive days on-shift (4-on/4-off). Shifts rotated after every off period. Standardized questionnaires were administered while participants were on the old schedule (study start) and ~5 months after switching to the new schedule. The questionnaires included the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Sleep was monitored using wearable devices (ŌURA rings). Results POMS total mood disturbance scores were lower (i.e., better) on the new schedule (p< 0.001), as were several POMS sub-scale scores including tension (p< 0.001), depression (p< 0.001), anger (p=0.014), confusion (p< 0.001), and vigor (p=0.029). There was a statistical trend for a decrease in ISI scores from the old schedule to the new schedule (p=0.067). Sleep duration, PSQI, and ESS scores did not differ between schedules (all p>0.05). Conclusion Implementation of a new shiftwork schedule that was tailored to worker sleep patterns was associated with decreased mood disturbance, improvement in negative mood states (e.g., depression and tension), and reduced insomnia symptom severity. Also, the research team received several anecdotal reports of high levels of worker satisfaction with the new schedule. This study demonstrates the positive real-world effects of using basic sleep and circadian methods to tailor shiftwork schedules to improve the well-being of military personnel. Support (if any)