Workplace Research Monthly

Examining fatigue and sleep loss in shift workers

A recent review looks at shift workers’ experiences of sleep disturbance, fatigue and healthy behaviours. Around 20% of workers are involved in some form of shift work, which can significantly disrupt sleep patterns and negatively impact health.

The review found that shift workers see fatigue as inevitable and feel that the workplace culture often encourages them to push through. Shift workers struggle to prioritise daytime sleep over competing responsibilities like family, leisure and work, and they find it difficult to engage in healthy behaviours that would reduce fatigue and improve sleep.

The review found that behavioural and psychological support, and organisational-level interventions like flexibility in work scheduling and napping spaces, can support effective sleep and fatigue management.

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