Research suggests that shift work is linked to poorer working memory and slower mental. Researchers also associated it with lower levels of alertness and visual focus, and the ability to control impulses and situational response, potentially heightening the risk of workplace injuries and errors.
Shift work has been linked to serious health issues as a result of the internal body clock being out of step with the normal light-dark cycle. Issues include sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, and substance abuse. In total, 18 studies published between 2005 and 2020, involving 18,802 participants and covering six different outcomes measured by formal tests, were included.
The outcomes were: processing speed; working memory; alertness (psychomotor vigilance); impulse control and situational response (cognitive control); ability to filter out unimportant visual cues (visual attention); and ability to unconsciously shift between tasks (task switching). Results of the studies were pooled and featured significantly worse performance in shift workers than other types of workers for five of the six outcomes assessed. There was a large effect for impulse control and situational response, while the effect for processing speed, working memory, alertness and ability to filter out unimportant visual clues was significant but small.
The researchers said, “Reduced neurobehavioral performance in shift workers might play an important role regarding work-related injuries and errors. Protective countermeasures (eg: naps, recovery plans, regular monitoring) for a reduction in neurobehavioural performance of shift workers should be promoted to minimise the risk of adverse health and work-related outcomes.”
They added, “When a more consistent body of high-quality literature is available, we highly recommend replication of analysis to develop practical interventions to overcome neurobehavioural impairment.”
