Laboratory Comparison of Clockwise and Counter-Clockwise Rapidly Rotating Shift Schedules, Part 1, Sleep

摘要

Many air traffic control specialists work relatively unique counter-clockwise, rapidly rotating shift schedules. Researchers recommend, however, that if rotating schedules are to be used, they should rotate in a clockwise, rather than a counterclockwise direction. Unfortunately, few studies have examined clockwise and counter-clockwise, rapidly rotating shifts. This study was designed to partially remedy this lack by examining the effects of both types of schedules on sleep duration, timing, and quality. Participants (n=28) worked a week of day shifts (0800-1600), followed by two weeks of either a Clockwise (n=14) or Counter-Clockwise (n=14) shiftwork schedule, including early morning (0600-1400), afternoon (1400-2200), and midnight shifts (2200-0600). Participants recorded sleep data in daily logbooks and wore wrist activity sensors to provide an objective source of sleep/wake data.