Sleepiness in a population of Italian shiftwork policemen.

Oct 21, 2003Journal of human ergology

Sleepiness levels in Italian police officers working night shifts

AI simplified

Circadian Biology on OpenScience ↗PubMed ↗

Abstract

Among 1280 policemen, the occurrence of sleep-related accidents was significantly increased for shiftworkers.

Shiftwork condition and seniority significantly influenced sleep disorder scores.
Sleepiness scores did not differ between shiftworkers and non-shiftworkers.
Indicators of sleep disorders were associated with an increased risk of sleep-related accidents.
Stressful working conditions may underestimate perceived sleepiness in shiftworkers.
Data suggests a need for vigilance in diagnosing and preventing sleep disorders in shiftworking populations.

AI simplified

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of shiftwork on sleepiness, sleep disorders and sleep related accidents in a population of policemen. Data concerning age and physical characteristics, working conditions, sleep problems and accidents were collected by a questionnaire. Sleepiness was evaluated by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) while the presence of sleep disorders was evaluated by a score (SD-score) drawn from indicators of insomnia, breathing disorders, periodic limb movements-restless leg syndrome and hypersomnia. The effects of age, gender, body mass index, working condition and seniority on ESS, SD-score and accidents were analysed by linear and logistic regression. Participants were 1280 policemen: 611 shiftworkers and 669 non-shiftworkers. The ESS scores were not higher in shiftworkers than in non-shiftworkers, but the SD-score was found to be significantly influenced by shiftwork condition and seniority. The occurrence of sleep-related accidents was found to have been significantly increased for shiftworkers and related to the presence of indicators of sleep disorders. The sleepiness could be underestimated or even overcome by the influence of stressing conditions. However our data should alert occupational health physicians for the diagnosis and prevention of possible lurking intrinsic sleep disorders likely to influence health problems and risk of accidents in shiftworkers.

Sleepiness in a population of Italian shiftwork policemen.

Abstract

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

what lands in your inbox each week:

Recent issues from the circadian biology brief

Abstract

Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

what lands in your inbox each week:

Recent issues from the circadian biology brief