Citation

Chang YS, Wu YH, Chen HL, Hsu CY. Ergonomics 2018; 61(1): 162-168.

Affiliation

c Department of Neurology , Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital , No. 100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung , 807 , Taiwan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00140139.2017.1330492

PMID

28498029

Abstract

Fast rotation three-shift working schedules are common in the medical field in Taiwan. This study investigated whether 24 hours off is sufficient for re-adaptation to a daytime routine after working two night shifts (NSs) by comparing changes in cognitive function, anxiety state, and objectively-measured sleep propensity between those working two NSs followed by 24 hours off (n=21, 2NS-off) and an off-duty group (n=21, OD). The results showed that nurses in the 2NS-off group were less alert and had decreased visual attention performance and executive function ability than the OD group during the daytime. One day off appeared to be insufficient to adapt back to a daytime shift after two NSs. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether a longer sequence of consecutive NSs (e.g., four NSs) followed by two days off is suitable for a fast rotation three-shift work schedule to allow for optimal performance throughout the next daytime shift. Practitioner Summary The medical field in Taiwan mandates at least 24 hours off between night and day shifts, but this appears to be insufficient for re-adapting to a daytime shift after two night shifts. A longer sequence of consecutive night shifts followed by two days off may be more suitable.

Language: en

Keywords

adaptation; cognitive function; nurse; rapid rotation shift; shift work