- People who work shifts often don’t sleep as well as those who work set hours during the day.
- During night time work, it may be more difficult to concentrate and make decisions.
- Having enough sleep is important for safe driving.
- Twenty-four hours without sleep is as dangerous as driving with 0.08 blood alcohol content.
- A short nap will boost energy and concentration.
- Keeping to the same schedule is better for the body clock than changing work shifts.
- It is best to go to bed at the same time each day whenever possible.
How can shiftwork affect my sleep?
Generally, the body is programmed to sleep best overnight and to be most alert during the day and early evening. If you work night shift, it might not be easy to sleep enough or to sleep well during the day. If you start work very early in the morning, it might be hard to sleep in the evening. The average shiftworker sleeps one hour a day less than someone who doesn’t work shifts. Some shiftworkers sleep up to four hours a day less than normal, but this is not common.