Changing the organizational work schedule of shift workers leads to improved sleep – an editorial

Shift work is defined as working outside the conventional daytime hours of 6 am to 6 pm. Shift work can also be called atypical work schedules or nonstandard work schedules. As many as 20% to 29% of workers worldwide engage in shift working of some type [1]. It can take many different forms including night shift, evening shift, on-call shift, long working hours, and quick returns, to name a few. As diurnal species, humans are naturally adapted to daytime activity and nighttime rest, making shift working conditions inherently unnatural. Research has consistently shown the significant impact these conditions can have on sleep and overall health; however, the extent of this impact varies depending on the type of shift work [2]. Quick returns as one type of shift work may be particularly problematic. Quick returns are defined by two shifts following on from each other, with less than 11 hours in between. This occurs often between an evening shift and an early morning or a day shift. Although not permitted in every country, quick returns can also result from unplanned prolonged shift durations, whether by choice or required, leading to a shortened interval between the current shift and the next shift, resulting in a quick return. The prolonged shift may happen for diverse reasons such as cover for staff on sick leave or unplanned shift swaps.