Interindividual variability in coherence between self-reported alertness and performance in shift workers

Abstract

ObjectivesEvidence indicates that self-reported measures of alertness do not always reflect performance impairments. The present study aims to explore whether subjective and objective measures of vigilance vary in the same direction in individuals working nights. MethodsA total of 76 police officers participated to a month-long observational study. They worked either a 2 or 3-shift system during which they self-reported alertness and completed a psychomotor vigilance task several times a day. ResultsA reduction in alertness and reaction speed was observed with time awake. At the group level, changes in alertness and reaction speed with time awake were positively correlated during night shifts only. In 63.6% of the officers, changes were coherent between both variables. The other officers reported that their alertness dropped (25.5%) or improved (10.9%) whereas their performance changed in the opposite direction. ConclusionSignificant interindividual variability exists in self-appraisal vigilance impairment due to night shift work.