Does age affect the relationship between control at work and sleep disturbance for shift workers?

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Sociology

Background:

• Shift work is prevalent in mining and energy sectors.
• Aging, lack of control, and partner factors may exacerbate sleep issues in shift workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between work factors, aging, and sleep disturbances in Australian mine and energy workers.
• To explore the interactive effects of risk factors on sleep disruption.

Main Methods:

• Survey of Australian mine and energy workers and their partners.
• Analysis of shift work patterns, age, work control, and sleep disturbances.
• Inclusion of partner-related factors such as schedule misalignment and job satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Low control over work activities is linked to increased sleep disturbances, particularly in younger workers.
• Older shift workers (aged 50+) with low control over shift scheduling experience more sleep disturbance.
• Misaligned work schedules with partners and partner dissatisfaction correlate with higher sleep disturbances.

Conclusions:

• Work control and age significantly influence sleep disturbances in shift workers.
• Partner-related factors play a crucial role in the sleep quality of shift workers.
• Interventions should consider individual control, age-specific needs, and partner dynamics to mitigate sleep problems.