Biological psychology

Daily cortisol patterns and mental health reports in shift workers with or without recent schedule changes

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Abstract

Cortisol profiles, including the cortisol rise after awakening, were assessed in 102 shift workers.

  • The cortisol rise in the first hour after awakening is detectable in both day and night shifts.
  • Permanent night workers exhibit blunted cortisol profiles during night work and on days off.
  • Former night workers who recently switched to a fast rotating shift schedule do not show disturbed circadian cortisol profiles.
  • Transitioning to night work from a day shift may initially result in blunted cortisol profiles that normalize after a short adjustment period.
  • Psychological assessments indicated levels of exhaustion, chronic stress, effort-reward imbalance, and variations in sleep quality and length.

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