Journal of Occupational and Environmental MedicineApr 25, 2017

Poor Sleep Linked to Short Rest Periods Between Rotating Work Shifts

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 1, 2026

Abstract

Quick returns (QRs) resulted in an average sleep duration of 5.6 hours.

QRs were associated with short sleep duration compared to other shift transitions.
Sleep onset latency was slightly prolonged during QRs.
The main sleep period ended more abruptly after QRs.
Increased sleepiness was reported following QRs.
Higher levels of perceived stress on the subsequent shift were noted after QRs.

Simplified

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compared sleep characteristics associated with quick returns (QRs, <11 hours between shift intervals) with those associated with other common shift transitions.

METHODS: Sixty-seven nurses completed a 2-week work and sleep diary (94.0% female, mean age 47.7 years). A multilevel fixed effects model was used to examine the sleep in QRs compared with two consecutive night shifts, two consecutive evening shifts, and two consecutive day shifts, respectively.

RESULTS: None of the other shift transitions studied encumbered as many detriments as QRs, which included short sleep duration (5.6 hours), slightly prolonged sleep onset latency, more abrupt ending of main sleep period, increased sleepiness, and higher level of perceived stress on the following shift.

CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the need for sufficient time for rest and recuperation between shifts.

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Poor Sleep Linked to Short Rest Periods Between Rotating Work Shifts

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