Methodological and practical issues related to shiftwork research

This paper cites inconsistencies in the current literature regarding the health impact of shiftwork and suggests that these disparities may be attributed, in part, to shortcomings in the nature and reporting of cross-sectional field research. Selected methodological (e.g., differential accretion, cross-over) and practical (e.g., definition of independent and dependent variables) problems in the design and communication of shiftwork investigations are discussed and strategies are provided for their solution.