Citation

Di Milia L. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 1998; 21(3-4): 199-207.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The introduction of a fast rotating compressed workweek (CWW) utilising 12 h shifts was compared to the previous 8 h continuous weekly rotating shift to investigate changes in total sleep time. No significant differences were found for total sleep time between the systems but the distribution of sleep changed markedly. Significant differences were found for night shift sleep and rostered days off sleep on the CWW. The faster rotation led to a significant and stable decrease in night shift sleep. Concern with changes in sleep pattern being problematic were reinforced by the majority of subjects reporting an increase in self-rated need for sleep on the CWW and a request that the CWW be modified in structure. Although the CWW was preferred to the old system for social and domestic factors, this paper concludes that in order to balance the need for sleep and the desire for more time away from work, it may be prudent to consider a slower rotating CWW with a maximum of three to four nights. The data in this study suggest this would allow better accommodation for sleep length than a maximum of two nights.Relevance to industryThere is evidence to suggest the CWW is gaining popularity among shiftworkers because it requires fewer days at work, thereby increasing their leisure time. The impact of the CWW regarding total sleep time is ambiguous preventing the provision of sound advice to policy makers, management and workers. This research provides a longitudinal investigation to assess the long term effect on total sleep time.