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Shift work has always been a vital component of the healthcare service. While it is an essential practice for ensuring that patients receive around-the-clock care, it can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of staff. Health workers’ shifts are organised in patterns where workers take over from each other to provide continuity of services.<\/p>\n
Shift work in healthcare is necessary for patients, and in some respects, benefits staff and enables them to achieve a good work-life balance. It is, however, a system that requires careful management to minimise its negative impact on employees.<\/p>\n
This article considers the risks of shift working to healthcare workers and suggests tips that organisations can take to protect workers and prioritise their health and well-being.<\/p>\n
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<\/strong><\/p>\n Health.\u00a0<\/strong>Shift work has the greatest impact on the health of night workers. Night shifts interfere with circadian rhythms and affect peoples \u2018body clock\u2019 which influences their ability to fall asleep when tired and then wake up at regular times. Sleep deprivation<\/a> is a significant contributing factor to poor mental and physical health. Read about the knock-on effects of sleep disorders below:<\/p>\n Irritability and poor concentration.<\/strong> Fatigue affects people\u2019s mental alertness and how they interact with others. This can impact their relationships at home and work. It can also cause staff to be more forgetful and make mistakes.<\/p>\n Obesity.<\/strong> Poor sleep leads to lower energy levels. This often means exhausted workers are less likely to prepare a healthy meal after work. They will often give in to carb cravings and prioritise rest time over exercise, which results in weight gain.<\/p>\n Higher risks of Type 2 diabetes.<\/strong> Shift workers are more prone to the onset of type 2 diabetes<\/a> and digestive disorders. Shift work has been linked to lower resistance to insulin. Reduced access to healthy food at night can result in poor food choices which is another factor.<\/p>\n Cardiovascular illness. <\/strong>Evidence indicates that shift workers are associated with higher incidences of cardiovascular diseases<\/a>. The reasons suggested are disruptions to circadian rhythm, challenges they face in exercising regularly, and the dependence on high-sugar snacks to stay awake at night.<\/p>\n \u201cShift Work Maladaption Syndrome or Shift Work Sleep Disorder is where shift work is leaving the worker so sleepy that they fear for their safety on the job.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Beverly Beuermann-King<\/a><\/p>\n Anxiety and Depression. <\/strong>Certainly, shift workers often lack the opportunities to experience restorative sleep – an essential for positive mental health. Impairments in cognition can affect self-esteem and confidence in making judgements with shift workers often feeling moral distress when they can\u2019t perform at their best.<\/p>\n Certainly, working in healthcare, where people\u2019s health and lives are at stake, means reduced sleep quality is a huge concern for workers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Social life.<\/strong> Shift workers often miss out on attending special occasions with friends and family and miss out on social gatherings and important events. They often report feeling too tired to go out at night and catch up with friends. Single shift workers report finding it difficult to meet people and form relationships outside work.<\/p>\n Hobbies.<\/strong> Shift workers often miss out on activity clubs and regular meet-ups. Active workers often find it difficult to attend athletic club meets and train with others. Work often interferes with their training patterns and makes consistent training more challenging.<\/p>\nImpacts on other areas<\/h5>\n