Shift work takes it toll on the body, mind

The demands of shift work are taken for granted today in a society where 25 percent of the workforce performs on a rotating basis.

During the production booms of the ‘40s and ‘50s – before and after World War II – there was more public awareness of the difficulties of working the swing and graveyard shifts. Songs and stories were written, often humorously, about reverse time patterns.

By necessity hospitals, power generating plants, transportation systems, police and fire protection, etc. are required to provide 24 hour service. Today there are food, drug and convenience stores that are open all night. Many industries operate 24 hours a day because of manufacturing processes and production demands.

Those who have experienced shift work know the kinds of physical and psychological problems that accompany these schedules. Not only can it produce stress on the individual, but the whole family may experience stress as a result of the shift worker’s lifestyle.

Consider these family stressors:

• Scheduling conflicts. Often shift workers will tell me of difficulties they impose on the family menu planner. When Harry gets off work at 7 a.m., he may yearn for spicy Mexican food. But he comes home to find his family having a breakfast of bacon and eggs. His suggestion for tacos is rather repulsive to them. Fortunately, Harry compromises with huevos rancheros and the whole family is happy.

Harry is then ready for a “night of rest,” but the children are full of energy and ready to start a day filled with noisy activities. Their mother has learned to reduce the noise by moving activities away from the room where Harry sleeps and declaring parts of the house off limits until Daddy awakens.

Her household duties, such as cleaning, washing, ironing, vacuuming, scheduling for repair services, etc., are based on the time when Harry works. She may be doing laundry while watching “Dynasty” and sewing while watching “General Hospital.” If she is also a shift worker, her daily schedule may require additional juggling of home duties.

• The internal clock. For most people the internal clock works best when they work during the day and sleep at night. Speculation indicates that human beings operated this way since the beginning of time. When changed or reset, these internal clocks may produce digestive disturbances, chronic fatigue, irritability and even mood changes.

• Social life. Shift work that least interferes with an individual’s social life is preferable. For industries with a 12-hour shift, a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. routine allows maximum opportunity to interact with family, friends and other segments of society.

Next week I will talk about experiences with families who have performed shift work and have established fundamental rules that have helped diminish the negative side effects.

Copyright c 1991 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.