Analysis of Shift Work Effects on Health and Cognitive Function

This report delves into the multifaceted effects of shift work on health and cognitive function. It outlines the definition of shift work, highlighting its prevalence and impact, particularly within healthcare settings. The report explores the relationship between shift work and various health issues, including sleep disturbances, fatigue, and increased risk of accidents. It examines how shift work influences cognitive performance, decision-making, and overall well-being. The report references studies and research to support its findings, providing insights into the challenges faced by shift workers and the importance of implementing strategies to mitigate negative consequences. It also discusses the implications of shift work on alertness, and employee's working conditions.

Effects of Shift Work
Concept of Shift work
Shift work is considered as the practice of employment that is developed for making use of or offer services around all 24 hours of clock and every day in a week. The practice views the days that are
categorized into shifts, set time period while several workers carries out the duties. On other words the concept of shift work is kind of work schedule wherein the workers group rotates through a stated time
period across the day. This specifically applies in case of one who are carrying out paramedic practice.
Manner in which shift work affects the health and well being
Shift work can be very disruptive towards the health and well being of the individual. In the year 2008 National sleep foundation poll reflects that 63% of work schedule allows in getting adequate sleep. They
are more likely to sleep fewer in comparison with 6 hours on the working days, to work for greater hours per week on an average (Attarchi, Raeisi, Namvar, Golabadi, 2014 ).
Effects of shift work
• Health effects: By the means of shiftwork there is increase in the risk associated with the development
of several disorders. With shift work there is enhancement in the risk towards development of cluster
headaches, heart attacks, fatigue stress, sexual dysfunction, obesity, dementia as well as depression
(Hemiö, Puttonen, Viitasalo, Härmä, Peltonen, Lindström, 2015).
• Cognitive effects: In comparison with the day shift injuries as well as accidents have been estimated to
enhance by 15% on evening shifts and 28% in case of night shifts. It has been assessed that longer shifts
are attached with more injuries as well accidents.
References
Attarchi M, Raeisi S, Namvar M, Golabadi M. Association between shift working and
musculoskeletal symptoms among nursing personnel. Iranian journal of nursing and
midwifery research. 2014 Jan 6;19(3):309-14.
Hemiö K, Puttonen S, Viitasalo K, Härmä M, Peltonen M, Lindström J. Food and nutrient
intake among workers with different shift systems. Occupational and environmental
medicine. 2015 Apr 20:oemed-2014.
Zhang L, Sun DM, Li CB, Tao MF. Influencing Factors for Sleep Quality Among Shift-
working Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study in China Using 3-factor Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
Index. Asian Nursing Research. 2016 Dec 31;10(4):277-82.
Shift work and pathological conditions. 2006. [Online]. Available through: <https://occup-
med.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1745-6673-1-25>. [Accessed on 1st May 2017].
Issues
Sleepiness leads to slower reactions and interferes with decision making. It has been noticed that health care
council also faces issues in regard to the shift working so diverse measures need to be referred for sustainable
development. In addition to this, it can be said that working at night also creates an negative impact on
natural pattern of working. It does not provide proper sleep to employees which impacts the alertness (Zhang,
Sun, Li, Tao, 2016 ).