Abstract
Background: Previous studies have reported impaired performance, sleepiness and sleep deprivation among night workers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of color screen Light Filtering software on cognitive performance, alertness and sleep quality among night shift operators of a medical emergency operations center. Methods: This field trial interventional study was carried out among 30 nightshift operators of shiraz emergency control center. The baseline assessments were carried out under the existing computer screen light conditions in the week preceding the installation of f.lux software. The same measurements were repeated again 4 weeks after installing the software. The cognitive performance of the participants was measured using continuous performance test (CPT) and n-back, while their sleep quality was assessed through Pietersburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Further, to assess their subjective and objective alertness, Stanford sleepiness index and go/nogo test were used, respectively. Results: The results of this study showed that Screen Light Filtering software significantly increased subjective (P<0.001) and objective alertness (P<0.05). Additionally, the performance of the working memory (P=0.008) and sleep quality (P=0.008) improved significantly after the intervention. Conclusion: The results revealed that using Screen Light Filtering software is an effective and low-cost method to improve sleep quality and cognitive performance since it filters the short wavelength part of the spectrum and helps body adaptation.
Highlights
Numerous studies have reported impaired performance, sleepiness and sleep deprivation among night workers.[1]
Lack of sufficient sleep results in sleepiness and low alertness. It can impair cognitive performance, such as impaired attention, working memory which affects other functions, such as longterm memory and decision-making.[3,4]. Such a decline in neuro-cognitive performances may in turn cause damages arising from fatigue and human error.[5]
The baseline assessments were carried out under the existing computer screen light conditions in the week preceding the installation of f.lux software
Summary
Numerous studies have reported impaired performance, sleepiness and sleep deprivation among night workers.[1] The results of field and experimental studies show that night work interferes with the circadian and homeostatic regulation of sleep.[2,3] Lack of sufficient sleep results in sleepiness and low alertness. Operators employed in medical emergency operation centers are no exception in this regard They have to be present at workplace day and night to offer necessary health services to patients prior to transferring them to hospitals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of color Screen Light Filtering software on cognitive performance, alertness and sleep quality among night shift operators of a medical emergency operations center. Conclusion: The results revealed that using Screen Light Filtering software is an effective and low-cost method to improve sleep quality and cognitive performance since it filters the short wavelength part of the spectrum and helps body adaptation
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