Researchers correlate insomnia with impaired work performance among night shift workers

A new study has linked insomnia to impaired work performance among night shift workers.

Results showed that night shift workers classified as alert insomniacs had the highest level of impairment in work productivity and cognitive function, which was significantly worse than controls. This occupational impairment was more severe in alert insomniacs than in insomniacs with excessive sleepiness.

The study also found that alert insomniacs reported significantly greater fatigue than sleepy insomniacs, which emphasizes the clinical importance of distinguishing between fatigue and sleepiness.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, shift work disorder was associated with a recurring work schedule, such as night shifts or rotating shifts, that overlaps the usual time for sleep. It was characterized by a reduction in total sleep time along with complaints of insomnia or excessive sleepiness.

Reduced alertness related to shift work disorder may be a safety hazard during work and while commuting. It has been estimated that approximately 20 percent of the workforce in industrialized countries is employed in a job that requires shift work.

According to the authors, the impairments found in night shift workers who were alert insomniacs have practical and serious consequences for workplace safety and occupational health.

The study results emphasized the importance of aggressively treating insomnia in night shift workers, which may improve work productivity and safety.

The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.