Shiftwork: Basic Concern for Commanders, Supervisors and Flight Surgeons.
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to provide commanders, supervisors and flight surgeons with a source for the quick study of basic shiftwork related issues. It presents a brief overview of circadian physiology, shift scheduling concepts, social issues and some strategies for making shiftwork more tolerable. it is not intended to be a detailed scientific literature review; numerous references are provided for that purpose. The choice of shiftwork schedules can have a large impact on the performance, safety, fatigue, family lives and social lives of shiftworking personnel. Rapidly rotating and permanent shift schedules appear to be less damaging to health than other shift schedules. Performance in the early morning hours appears to be sacrificed on rapidly rotating schedules and may be best preserved on permanent schedules. Fatigue can be expected to be greatest on the night-shift of backward rapid rotation schedules if quick turns are used, and on day-shifts if there is an early shift changeover time. There is no single, best coping strategy, but good sleep is essential. The serious problems associated with shiftwork are best addressed using multiple, simultaneous, interventions. This is best accomplished in a concerted effort with the active involvement of management, the shiftworkers, and their families.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA318720
Entities
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory