Differences in sleeping patterns, stress levels and general health between shift workers and fixed term day staff

Abstract

The effects of shift work on physiological function through disruption of circadian rhythms, impact on general health and contribution to stress levels are well described. This research was carried out to examine the differences in stress levels, general health and sleeping patterns between shift workers and fixed term day staff. Employees from a major airline and an extremely busy fire station provided the required sample. The specific areas examined, provided significant results between the individual groups. It was noted that there was a significantly higher level of stress endured by shift workers when compared to fixed day time staff. Results also revealed that when compared, the fixed term day staff displayed significantly lower levels of general health and time spent sleeping than shift workers collectively. The demographic variables of age, gender, hours spent working per week and departments where stationed (fixed term day staff), were also examined and showed no significance in the acquisition of the concluding results.