The University of Kentucky's Public Relations and Strategic Communications Office has released its weekly health column, authored by Rebecca Honaker, research director for the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance program, and Patrick Maloney, occupational epidemiologist at the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC).

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 6, 2023) — Many shift workers operate outside the conventional 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours, embracing variations such as rotational shifts, fixed night shifts, or prolonged days. Data from the 2017–2018 American Time Use Survey indicates that 6% of U.S. workers hold evening shifts, 4% work nights, and 2% have rotating schedules. Those most likely to engage in shift work include men, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with family incomes below the poverty level.

Shift workers often need to remain alert while their bodies signal it is time to sleep, resulting in diminished and lower-quality sleep. Common sleep issues include chronic insomnia, sleep disturbances, poor-quality sleep, and shorter sleep duration of less than seven hours a day.

Research indicates that the sleep difficulties associated with shift work elevate the risk of mental health issues and burnout. Studies show that these workers may experience increased rates of depression and anxiety, a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts, and a greater reliance on drugs and alcohol to manage sleep patterns. Additional concerns include cognitive decline and overall dissatisfaction with well-being.

To enhance quality of life for those involved in shift work, several strategies may be helpful:

- To address sleep difficulties, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule even on days off can help align body rhythms.

- For feelings of isolation, setting specific times for socializing with friends and family can strengthen connections.

- To combat exhaustion, engaging in physical activity for 5-30 minutes each day can be invigorating, particularly before or after shifts.

- Addressing workplace stress requires discussions with coworkers and employers about manageable solutions.

- If sleep fails to provide rejuvenation, it is advisable to improve the sleep environment using blackout shades and white noise rather than relying on sleep aids.

Workplaces have a role in fostering the mental health of shift workers, with suggestions including:

- Minimizing night work and limiting consecutive night shifts.

- Providing adequate rest days after night shifts.

- Offering mental health resources that accommodate shift hours.

- Scheduling shift rotations clockwise.

- Ensuring regular check-ins with team members and promoting a work culture supportive of mental health.

- Educating employees on sleep health and encouraging consultations with healthcare providers when necessary.

UK HealthCare is committed to advanced medical care through a network of over 10,000 healthcare professionals, including specialized treatment facilities such as the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a Level 1 trauma center. As an academic institution, UK HealthCare prioritizes innovation in cures, treatments, and medical education across various health professions to improve health outcomes for Kentucky.