engleski

A comparison of fatigue parameters in morning and night working shift

A major negative effect of shift work is a disturbance of normal circadian cycle, which is reflected in the functional capabilities of workers. The aim of this study was to compare differences in several fatigue aspects between morning and night working shifts. Changes in classic and spectral parameters of R-R intervals were used as fatigue indicators, which according to literature may reflect fatigue and/or sleepiness, as well as workers’ assessments of different fatigue dimensions. Eight nurses, averaging 30 years of age, from the Surgery Department at the General Hospital of Zadar, participated in the study. The study included continuous measuring of R-R intervals by the Data Logging System, during the morning shift (from 07.00 until 14.00 hours) and night shift (from 21.00 until 07.00 hours). At the beginning and the end of each shift nurses completed the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Questionnaire (SOFI), which assessed five fatigue dimensions: Lack of Energy, Physical Exertion, Physical Discomfort, Lack of Motivation and Sleepiness. The results showed coherent changes in classic cardiac activity parameters (mean and SD-index of R-R intervals) and fatigue assessments. Classic cardiac activity parameters, as well as the assessments of different fatigue dimensions, differentiated between beginning and the end of working shifts. The results also showed longer R-R intervals and generally greater variability of R-R intervals during the night, compared to morning shift, especially during the critical early morning period. Lower levels of sympathetic modulation of cardiac activity were found during the night shift, which complies with greater assessments of Sleepiness in the same time period.

night shift working, fatigue, R-R intervals

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