Workers need to manage sleep and fatigue , especially those who work nights or other shifts, as this has a significant impact on health, safety and wellbeing.
Clare Anderson of the University of Birmingham’s Department of Sleep and Circadian Science, Professor of Sleep and Circadian Science, explained the physiological causes of fatigue in shift workers during the recent Joint Occupational Healthcare Nursing Conference held in November.
“Sleep is something we can all discuss. It’s a topic that everyone enjoys. She asked, “If you think back to the last 24 and how many hours of sleep you had, was it five, six or seven?”
“We can look at it on an individual basis, but if you take a step back and think of the entire human population, we’ve spent 65 billion hours sleeping in the last 24 hours. This shows how important sleep is.”
Professor Anderson’s presentation focused on the health, safety, and performance of shift workers.
She also spoke about the complexity of fatigue, and the counterstrategies that employers and employees can use to manage fatigue’s effects.
She said that fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, including heavy workloads, long working hours, high demands and demanding shift schedules. Other factors include restricted leave options, the need for training, family responsibilities, supervisory and managerial responsibilities as well as home responsibilities.
Professor Anderson has warned that a “misalignment of the circadian rhythm” can have serious health and safety consequences and adverse effects on health and wellbeing.
She said that if you don’t get enough sleep for three or four days, then attempt to work a nightshift, your ability is compromised.
She added, “Circadian malalignment has adverse effects on performance.”
Accidents and errors on the rise
Professor Anderson cited studies in the US which examined fatigue amongst medical residents. The studies found that working 24-hour shifts is associated with an increase of 36% in medical errors and a six-fold increase in diagnostic mistakes. You are also twice as likely to suffer a needlestick.
We pay the price in the long run for our health when we fight this vital function.” – Clare Anderson
Driver fatigue, accidents, and mental illness are also risks. Breast, colorectal and prostate cancers, in particular, are at an increased risk. Fatigue and lack of sleep are also linked to weight gain, type-2 diabetes, behavioral changes, and obesity.
We pay the health price in the long run when we fight this vital function. She said that it was important to prioritize sleep whenever possible to minimise risk.
She added, “We want people to be informed about how to manage their exposure to light and sleep.”
It is “no surprise” that organisations are often unsure of where to begin when they look at this issue.
Professor Anderson also stressed the importance of understanding fatigue, being able talk about it in an open, accepting culture and managing workloads.
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