Psychophysical conditions and hormonal secretion in nurses on a rapidly rotating shift schedule and exposed to bright light during night work

Investigated the effect of rapidly-rotating shift schedules and bright light exposure on psychophysical conditions and hormonal secretion with 15 nurses. Ss completed performance measures, hormonal excretion, oral temperature and activity-sleep logs during the shiftwork cycle. Results show that the rapidly-rotating shift system had little effect upon normal circadian rhythms. Lengthening of the night shift to 10 hrs was acceptable, provided that work load was reduced and there were rest pauses available. Day shift reduction to 7 hrs and delayed start of the morning shift seemed convenient in relation to work load and sleep duration. Positive effects of bright light on psychophysical conditions and performance efficiency were noted, while hormonal excretion and body temperature showed no effect of bright light. (PsycLIT Database Copyright 1997 American Psychological Assn, all rights reserved)