Sleepiness and shiftwork: individual differences

On-site studies of shiftwork show considerable differences in sleepiness between workers. Variation between individuals depends on different sleeping, coping and living habits of the workers, on possible sleep disorders, but also on more 'permanent' inter-individual factors that may influence sleepiness by changing either the circadian or homeostatic factors of sleep. The effects of circadian phase, age, sex, physical fitness, domestic and personality factors on shiftworkers' sleepiness and work-related accidents are reviewed. It is concluded that only a minor part of the variation in sleepiness between individuals can be explained. The present knowledge is not sufficient to carry out reliable 'selection' of individuals suitable for shiftwork. However, preventive advice and medical surveillance focusing on individual differences in sleepiness are recommended.