Pattern of shift rota modulates oral temperature circadian rhythm and sleep-wakefulness profiles in shift workers

摘要

Twenty four shift workers (8 from a steel industry and 16 from a Government hospital) participated in the study. The subjects were instructed to self-measure oral temperature, 4-6 times a day for about three weeks. Sleep quantity and quality for each subject were analysed with the help of an appropriate inventory. The data were analysed by cosinor and power spectrum methods. The frequency of circadian rhythm detection was in the order of 48/100 in senior nurses, 29/100 in steel plant workers and 14/100 in junior nurses. These were also complemented by the results of power spectrum analysis. Present results suggest that rhythms of subjective fatigue and subjective drowsiness are governed neither by oral temperature oscillator nor by the sleep/wake cycle oscillator.