Abstract
Shift work disorder (SWD), which is characterized by insomnia and excessive sleepiness related with shift work, is one of the most common health problems in shift workers. Shift work disorder causes insomnia, fatigue, worse work performance, an increased likelihood of accidents, and a poor quality of life. In addition, SWD is associated with decreased productivity and increased economic costs. The correct management of SWD is important to prevent sleep disturbances and maintain work performance in shift workers. To diagnose and evaluate SWD, it is necessary to take detailed medical histories, assess the severity of sleep disturbances, and evaluate shift workers’ sleep using a sleep diary and actigraphy. The work-fitness evaluation should include recommendations on how shift workers can reduce their sleep disturbances and increase work performance, as well as the assessment of work performance. This paper reviews previous research on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of SWD and summarizes the work-fitness evaluation of SWD.
Highlights
In the 24/7 society in which we live, many people work day and night, be it for public safety and health services or for economic reasons
The Bergen Shift Work Sleep Questionnaire (BSWSQ) can evaluate the frequency of various sleep disturbances according to the type of shift, which is suitable for the evaluation of Shift work disorder (SWD) severity [47]
Shift work disorder is common in shift workers, but not all shift workers experience
Summary
In the 24/7 society in which we live, many people work day and night, be it for public safety and health services or for economic reasons. When an individual works shifts, the internal clock might not match the external time, which can disrupt the circadian rhythm [1] This circadian rhythm desynchronization can have various health consequences, including sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, mental problems, and breast cancer [2,3,4,5,6]. Non-pharmacological interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, scheduled sleep, controlling the sleep environment and sleep hygiene, napping before night shifts, circadian realignment, and light therapy. Pharmacological interventions include hypnotics, anti-depressants, and melatonin [14,15,16,17,18,19,20] Both organizational and individual interventions are important for the management of SWD.
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