[Chronobiologic resolution of disabling pathologies in shift workers]

The annual sequence of sickness leaves was studied in 162 industrial workers with a high absenteeism level. An investigation of the swings in haemodynamic balance, and imbalances linked to alternations in vessel constriction and dilation throughout the biorhythmic cycle influenced by the alternation of night and day, hot and cold seasons, showed that each period of sick leave coincided with each period of haemodynamic balance caused by particular shifts. It was thus possible to identify groups of workers with syndromic sub groups whose performance was affected by night work and particular seasons. For optimal shift-worker deployment it is therefore suggested that workers should be assigned to shifts to which they are biologically suited.