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Health consequences of shift work and implications for structural design

Journal of Perinatology volume 33, pages S17–S23 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

The objective of the study was to perform a literature review on the health consequences of working rotating shifts and implications for structural design. A literature search was performed in June 2012 and a selection of the most relevant peer-review articles was included in the present review. Shift workers are more likely to suffer from a circadian sleep disorder characterized by sleepiness and insomnia. Shift work is associated with decreased productivity, impaired safety, diminished quality of life and adverse effects on health. Circadian disruption resulting from rotating shift work has also been associated with increased risk for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. This article summarizes the known health effects of shift work and discusses how light can be used as a countermeasure to minimize circadian disruption at night while maintaining alertness. In the context of the lighted environment, implications for the design of newborn intensive care units are also discussed.

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Acknowledgements

We like to acknowledge Mark Rea, Rebekah Mullaney and Nicholas Hanford for their technical and editorial assistance. The Office of Naval Research (award no. N000141110572) funded some of the work presented in this manuscript. This publication has been sponsored by Lifespan Healthcare LLC, Philips Healthcare and Pediatrix Medical Group. The sponsoring entities for this publication had no involvement in the preparation or alteration of the manuscripts.

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  1. Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA

    M G Figueiro

  2. Pediatrix Medical Group, Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN, USA

    R D White

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  1. M G Figueiro
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Correspondence to M G Figueiro.

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Competing interests

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute received speaking fees from Acuity Lighting on behalf of MGF. RDW is employed by Pediatrix and owner of WhiteBriar Corporation.

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Figueiro, M., White, R. Health consequences of shift work and implications for structural design. J Perinatol 33 (Suppl 1), S17–S23 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2013.7

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Keywords

  • shift work
  • circadian system
  • melatonin
  • circadian rhythms
  • cancer
  • newborn intensive care unit design

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