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Ageing, physical fitness and shiftwork tolerance
1Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Physiology, Helsinki, Finland.
Applied Ergonomics
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Ageing impacts shiftwork tolerance, with older workers experiencing poorer sleep after night shifts. Moderate physical fitness may improve sleep and alertness for shiftworkers, but continuous night work should be voluntary after age 40.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Sleep Medicine
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Ageing is a significant factor affecting shiftworker health and tolerance.
- Physical fitness is an emerging factor influencing adaptation to shiftwork.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing shiftwork schedules and worker well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of ageing and physical fitness on shiftwork tolerance.
- To explore how age-related changes in circadian rhythms and sleep patterns influence shiftwork.
- To examine the role of physical fitness in mitigating negative effects of shiftwork.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ageing, physical fitness, and shiftwork tolerance.
- Analysis of research on age-related changes in sleep, circadian rhythms, and sleepiness.
- Examination of findings on the impact of physical activity and fitness on shiftworker outcomes.
Main Results:
- Older shiftworkers (over 40-45) report worse sleep after night shifts but not morning shifts.
- Ageing may alter circadian rhythms towards 'morningness' and potentially decrease sleep need.
- Moderate physical training in shiftworkers has been linked to increased sleep length and alertness, but not faster circadian adjustment to night work.
Conclusions:
- Work arrangements should accommodate age-related changes in shiftworkers, particularly preferences for 'morningness'.
- Continuous night work should be optional for workers over 40.
- Recommends moderate physical exercise before main sleep periods to enhance shiftwork tolerance.