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Fatigue and the shiftworker: firefighters working on a rotating shift schedule

M J Paley1, D I Tepas

  • 1University of Connecticut, Psychology Department, Storrs 06269.

Human Factors
|June 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Firefighter fatigue is complex, varying by time of day and shift. Rotating 8-hour shifts disrupt sleep, increasing sleepiness and negatively impacting mood, challenging simple fatigue models.

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Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Sleep Science
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Traditionally, fatigue was linked to task duration and physical exertion.
  • Shiftwork research indicates time-of-day influences sleepiness and mood, complicating fatigue definitions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate time-of-day interactions on sleep, sleepiness, and mood in firefighters.
  • To assess the impact of reduced sleep length due to shiftwork.

Main Methods:

  • A within-subjects design was employed.
  • Firefighters completed surveys across a full shift schedule cycle.
  • Sleep length, sleepiness, and mood were measured.

Main Results:

  • Firefighters on rotating 8-hour shifts slept less and reported poorer mood and higher sleepiness during night shifts.

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  • Adaptation to sleep schedule changes did not occur over a two-week shift period.
  • Significant time-of-day interactions were observed.

    • Conclusions:

    • Shiftwork significantly impacts firefighter sleep, mood, and sleepiness.
    • The study challenges the simplistic, singular view of fatigue.
    • Findings highlight the need for tailored fatigue management strategies in shiftwork