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Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
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Work and sleep quality in railway employees: an actigraphy study
Christin Gerhardt1, Maria Undine Kottwitz2,3, Tarsia Jana Lüdin1
1Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Ergonomics
|October 10, 2019
Summary
Daily work stressors negatively impact sleep quality in railway employees, while increased time control at work improves it. Reducing workplace stressors and enhancing control can improve sleep and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Sleep Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Sleep quality is crucial for renewing health and safety resources in safety-critical occupations like railway transport.
- Workplace factors, including stressors and resources, may significantly influence sleep patterns and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive relationship between daily work stressors (time pressure, social stressors), work resources (control, social support), and mental detachment from work on subsequent sleep quality.
- To examine the role of post-work demands and control in moderating these relationships.
Main Methods:
- An actigraphy study involving 52 railway employees over five consecutive workdays.
- Utilized daily diary questionnaires to assess work stressors, resources, and mental detachment.
- Employed actigraphy devices to objectively measure sleep parameters like sleep efficiency and fragmentation.
Main Results:
- Social stressors from supervisors predicted increased sleep fragmentation and reduced sleep efficiency.
- Higher daily time control at work was associated with shorter sleep onset latency and improved self-reported sleep quality.
- Leisure time control acted as a protective resource, leading to fewer nighttime awakenings.
Conclusions:
- Workplace interventions aimed at increasing time control and decreasing social stressors are recommended for railway employees.
- Enhancing work design can support daily recovery processes and improve overall sleep quality, thereby promoting health and safety.
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