Improved Sleep Quality and Work Performance Among Shift Workers Consuming a "Foods with Function Claims" Containing...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Occupational Health
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Shift work poses significant challenges to sleep quality and work performance.
• Foods with Function Claims (FFC) offer potential solutions for health-related issues in specific populations.
• Asparagus extract is investigated for its potential benefits on sleep and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Foods with Function Claims (FFC) containing asparagus extract in improving sleep quality and work performance among shift workers.
• To assess the impact of asparagus extract FFCs on nurses undergoing a two-shift work schedule.

Main Methods:

• An intervention study with a before-and-after design was conducted on 34 nurses.
• Participants ingested an FFC containing asparagus extract for at least two weeks, including three night shifts.
• Evaluations included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), sleep quality (VAS), work functioning, and psychiatric symptoms.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in PSQI scores (7.41 to 6.03) and self-rated sleep quality (4.48 to 6.00) after intervention (P < 0.001).
• Secondary outcomes showed significant improvements in work engagement (UWES) and reduced feelings of fatigue.
• A trend towards improved sleep efficiency and reaction time was noted, with no significant change in impaired work functioning.

Conclusions:

• Regular consumption of Foods with Function Claims (FFC) with asparagus extract can enhance sleep quality, reduce fatigue, and improve work engagement in shift workers.
• The findings suggest a potential benefit of asparagus extract for nurses working night shifts.
• The study's before-and-after design without a control group necessitates cautious interpretation of the results.