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Shift Work - Sleepiness and Sleep in Transport
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Nobels vag 9, Stockholm 17177, Sweden.
Sleep Medicine Clinics
|October 24, 2019
Summary
Driving after a night shift significantly elevates accident risks due to sleepiness. This heightened danger persists during the commute home, impacting all night shift workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Sleep Medicine
- Transportation Safety
Background:
- Night shift work is prevalent across various industries.
- Driving after night shifts is associated with increased accident risks.
- Sleepiness and sleep loss are key factors in night shift work complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the elevated accident risk for night shift workers driving.
- To identify the contributing factors to driving impairment after night shifts.
- To underscore the link between shift work disorder and driving safety.
Main Methods:
- Review of field studies on driver sleepiness.
- Analysis of accident data related to night shift work.
- Examination of physiological mechanisms of alertness reduction.
Main Results:
- Night shift driving substantially increases the risk of accidents and falling asleep at the wheel.
- Commuting after a night shift poses similar risks to driving during the shift.
- Late night driving is characterized by high levels of sleepiness.
- Circadian trough of alertness and sleep deprivation are primary mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Night shift work and subsequent driving pose significant safety risks.
- Shift work disorder is characterized by severe sleepiness and sleep loss.
- Addressing sleepiness is crucial for mitigating driving accidents among night shift workers.
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