Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.4
2.1
Journals
Clocks & Sleep
Special Issues
Shift-Work and the Individual II
share announcement

Shift-Work and the Individual II

A special issue of Clocks & Sleep (ISSN 2624-5175). This special issue belongs to the section "Society".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 18083

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Thomas Kantermann

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management (FOM), Neuss, Germany
2. SynOpus, Bochum, Germany
Interests: cardiovascular health; chronobiology; economics; mental health; psychology; shift-work; sleep; sociology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is no standard definition of shift-work universally, and validated reports of (complete) biological adjustment to shift-work at the level of the individual are missing. Because of the lack of studies and a rather narrow range of outcome measures, the evidence for shift-work tolerance is limited. Those factors that have been found associated with subjective or objective shift-work tolerance are young age, low scores of morningness or being a late chronotype, low scores of languidity and neuroticism, high scores on extraversion, internal locus of control and flexibility, and male sex. Future studies should identify more factors to widen this list, including the results of applied studies that have tested these factors. Such studies could range from identifying factors that are modifiable (e.g., lifestyle choices) as well as factors specific to the working time arrangement and the workplace setting. This Special Issue shall collect and discuss evidence to date regarding individual differences in shift-work tolerance, including prospects for future research and practical workplace recommendations.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Kantermann
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Clocks & Sleep is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • circadian
  • economics
  • family
  • gender
  • health
  • psychology
  • sleep
  • sex
  • sociology
  • tolerance

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

21 pages, 1392 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Sleep on Haematological Parameters in Firefighters
by Sara Alves, Francisca Silva, Filipa Esteves, Solange Costa, Klara Slezakova, Maria Alves, Maria Pereira, João Teixeira, Simone Morais, Adília Fernandes, Felisbina Queiroga and Josiana Vaz
Clocks & Sleep 2024, 6(3), 291-311; https://doi.org/10.3390/clockssleep6030021 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1847
Abstract
Sleep is a vital process that impacts biological functions such as cell renewal, bone regeneration, and immune system support. Disrupted sleep can interrupt erythropoiesis, leading to fewer red blood cells, reduced haemoglobin concentration, and decreased haematocrit levels, potentially contributing to haematological disorders. This [...] Read more.
Sleep is a vital process that impacts biological functions such as cell renewal, bone regeneration, and immune system support. Disrupted sleep can interrupt erythropoiesis, leading to fewer red blood cells, reduced haemoglobin concentration, and decreased haematocrit levels, potentially contributing to haematological disorders. This is particularly concerning for shift workers for example firefighters. While previous studies have explored sleep’s adverse effects on various professions, research specific to firefighters is limited. This study investigates the relationship between sleep quality and haematological parameters among firefighters in Northeast Portugal. From a sample of 201 firefighters, variations in red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit values were linked to sleep quality. The study utilised non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Spearman’s correlation) to explore the connection between sleep quality and haematological profile. The impact of covariates on haematological parameters was assessed using non-parametric ANCOVA (Quade’s). A multiple regression analysis was employed to further understand how sleep quality and various confounding variables impact haematological levels. Findings suggest a negative link between sleep quality and haematological levels, meaning that as sleep quality deteriorates, there is a tendency for haematological levels to decrease, as indicated by Spearman’s correlation (rRBC = −0.157, pRBC = 0.026; rHb = −0.158, pHb = 0.025; rHCT = −0.175, pHCT = 0.013). As observed in scientific literature, the correlation found suggests a possible inhibition of erythropoiesis, the process responsible for red blood cell production. Despite firefighters presenting a haematological profile within the reference range (RBC: 5.1 × 106/mm3 (SD ± 0.4), Hb: 15.6 g/dL (SD ± 1.3), 47% (SD ± 1.0), there is already an observable trend towards lower levels. The analysis of co-variables did not reveal a significant impact of sleep quality on haematological levels. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of sleep quality in determining haematological parameters among firefighters. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of poor sleep quality on firefighter health. Exploring interventions to enhance sleep quality is vital for evidence-based strategies promoting firefighter well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shift-Work and the Individual II)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
Shift Happens: Emergency Physician Perspectives on Fatigue and Shift Work
by Zachary Klinefelter, Emily L. Hirsh, Thomas W. Britt, Caroline L. George, Margaret Sulzbach and Lauren A. Fowler
Clocks & Sleep 2023, 5(2), 234-248; https://doi.org/10.3390/clockssleep5020019 - 18 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3669
Abstract
Research has shown that shiftworkers experience poor sleep and high levels of fatigue. Although considerable research has been performed on fatigue within many shift-work occupations, very little has been done with emergency physicians (EPs). This qualitative study was conducted with the goal of [...] Read more.
Research has shown that shiftworkers experience poor sleep and high levels of fatigue. Although considerable research has been performed on fatigue within many shift-work occupations, very little has been done with emergency physicians (EPs). This qualitative study was conducted with the goal of gaining insight into EPs’ perceptions of fatigue at work. Twenty EPs from an academic medical center participated in virtual interviews, with nine open-ended questions asked in a semi-structured interview format. Twelve common topics with four main themes emerged from the interviews. Three of these common themes included sources of fatigue (including both work- and home-related sources), consequences of fatigue (including impacts on individuals and performance), and prevention and mitigation strategies to cope with fatigue. The fourth main theme was the belief in the inevitability of fatigue due to high cognitive load, emotionally taxing work experiences, work unpredictability, and the 24/7 shift-work nature of emergency medicine. EPs’ experiences with fatigue are consistent with but extend those of other types of shiftworkers. Our findings suggest that EPs tend to incorporate the inevitability of fatigue at work into their identity as EPs and experience a sense of learned helplessness as a result, suggesting areas for future interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shift-Work and the Individual II)
14 pages, 1680 KiB  
Article
Working around the Clock: Is a Person’s Endogenous Circadian Timing for Optimal Neurobehavioral Functioning Inherently Task-Dependent?
by Rachael A. Muck, Amanda N. Hudson, Kimberly A. Honn, Shobhan Gaddameedhi and Hans P. A. Van Dongen
Clocks & Sleep 2022, 4(1), 23-36; https://doi.org/10.3390/clockssleep4010005 - 11 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5126
Abstract
Neurobehavioral task performance is modulated by the circadian and homeostatic processes of sleep/wake regulation. Biomathematical modeling of the temporal dynamics of these processes and their interaction allows for prospective prediction of performance impairment in shift-workers and provides a basis for fatigue risk management [...] Read more.
Neurobehavioral task performance is modulated by the circadian and homeostatic processes of sleep/wake regulation. Biomathematical modeling of the temporal dynamics of these processes and their interaction allows for prospective prediction of performance impairment in shift-workers and provides a basis for fatigue risk management in 24/7 operations. It has been reported, however, that the impact of the circadian rhythm—and in particular its timing—is inherently task-dependent, which would have profound implications for our understanding of the temporal dynamics of neurobehavioral functioning and the accuracy of biomathematical model predictions. We investigated this issue in a laboratory study designed to unambiguously dissociate the influences of the circadian and homeostatic processes on neurobehavioral performance, as measured during a constant routine protocol preceded by three days on either a simulated night shift or a simulated day shift schedule. Neurobehavioral functions were measured every 2 h using three functionally distinct assays: a digit symbol substitution test, a psychomotor vigilance test, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. After dissociating the circadian and homeostatic influences and accounting for inter-individual variability, peak circadian performance occurred in the late biological afternoon (in the “wake maintenance zone”) for all three neurobehavioral assays. Our results are incongruent with the idea of inherent task-dependent differences in the endogenous circadian impact on performance. Rather, our results suggest that neurobehavioral functions are under top-down circadian control, consistent with the way they are accounted for in extant biomathematical models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shift-Work and the Individual II)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1554 KiB  
Article
Timing and Composition of Last Meal before Bedtime Affect Sleep Parameters of Night Workers
by Luciana F. R. Nogueira, Pollyanna Pellegrino, José Cipolla-Neto, Claudia R. C. Moreno and Elaine C. Marqueze
Clocks & Sleep 2021, 3(4), 536-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/clockssleep3040038 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5999
Abstract
Night workers tend to eat irregularly, both in terms of meal times and composition. The disruption in energy metabolism caused by inappropriate eating habits can negatively affect the sleep quality of these individuals. The objectives of this study were to determine the interval [...] Read more.
Night workers tend to eat irregularly, both in terms of meal times and composition. The disruption in energy metabolism caused by inappropriate eating habits can negatively affect the sleep quality of these individuals. The objectives of this study were to determine the interval between the last meal and bedtime and its relationship with both diurnal and nocturnal sleep parameters, as well as to evaluate the association of the adequacy of this meal with sleep parameters. The analyses were carried out for a usual sleep routine on a workday and a day off. This cross-sectional study was part of a controlled, randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial. The sample comprised 30 female nursing professionals who worked permanent night shifts of 12 × 36 h. Timing and composition of the last meal were obtained from food diaries, and sleep parameters were collected via actigraphy. On multiple linear regression analysis, every hour decrease in the interval between the last meal and sleep onset there was an increase of 0.39 h on diurnal sleep duration. Regarding food intake, every 1 g of fat and 1 g of carbohydrate consumed was associated with an increase in diurnal sleep onset latency of 0.13 h and 0.02 h, respectively. These findings suggest that both timing and composition of the last meal before bedtime may be potential key factors for good diurnal and nocturnal sleep among night-shift workers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shift-Work and the Individual II)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop