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Sleepiness and shiftwork: individual differences
Author(s) -
HÄRMÄ MIKKO
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of sleep research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.297
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2869
pISSN - 0962-1105
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2869.1995.tb00228.x
Subject(s) - psychology , coping (psychology) , sleep deprivation , shift work , circadian rhythm , personality , chronotype , vigilance (psychology) , clinical psychology , psychiatry , social psychology , cognitive psychology , neuroscience
SUMMARY On‐site studies of shiftwork show considerable differences in sleepiness between workers. Variation between individuals depends on different sleeping, coping and living habits of the workers, on possible sleep disorders, but also on more ‘permanent’ inter‐individual factors that may influence sleepiness by changing either the circadian or homeostatic factors of sleep. The effects of circadian phase, age, sex, physical fitness, domestic and personality factors on shiftworkers' sleepiness and work‐related accidents are reviewed. It is concluded that only a minor part of the variation in sleepiness between individuals can be explained. The present knowledge is not sufficient to carry out reliable ‘selection’ of individuals suitable for shiftwork. However, preventive advice and medical surveillance focusing on individual differences in sleepiness are recommended.