Journal article
Sleep loss and circadian disruption in shift work: Health burden and management
SMW Rajaratnam, ME Howard, RR Grunstein
Medical Journal of Australia | WILEY | Published : 2013
DOI: 10.5694/mja13.10561
Abstract
• About 1.5 million Australians are shift workers. Shift work is associated with adverse health, safety and performance outcomes. Circadian rhythm misalignment, inadequate and poor-quality sleep, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, insomnia and shift work disorder (excessive sleepiness and/or insomnia temporally associated with the work schedule) contribute to these associations. • Falling asleep at work at least once a week occurs in 32%-36% of shift workers. Risk of occupational accidents is at least 60% higher for non-day shift workers. Shift workers also have higher rates of cardiometabolic diseases and mood disturbances. • Road and workplace accidents related to excessive sleepine..
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Funding Acknowledgements
Shantha Rajaratnam has served as a consultant through his institution to Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Philips Respironics, EdanSafe, National Transport Commission, Rail, Tram and Bus Union, Australian Workers' Union, Tontine Group, Meda Consumer Healthcare, and has, through his institution, received research grants and unrestricted educational grants from Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Philips Respironics and Cephalon, and reimbursements for conference travel expenses from Vanda Pharmaceuticals. His institution has received equipment donations or other support from Optalert, Compumedics, Philips Lighting and Tyco Healthcare. He has also served as an expert witness and consultant to shift work organisations. Mark Howard has undertaken consultancy work for the National Transport Commission and Victoria Police, and has received research grants and equipment support from ResMed Foundation, CRCMining and Sleep Diagnostics. He is a participant in the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity and a member of the boards of the Australasian Sleep Association and the Institute for Breathing and Sleep, which receives royalties from Prevention Express.