engleski

Work Shifts and the quality of sleep

Previous studies showed that shift workers have lower heart rate variability (HRV) during sleep in comparison with daily workers. Furthermore, shift workers have higher spectral density of R-R intervals in low frequency band (0.04-0.15 Hz) during sleeping period, due to higher sympathetic activity. Some studies also showed higher power spectrum parameters in the low frequency band (LF) during sleep after the night shift working, compared with daily shift. The aim of this study was to compare changes in heart rate variability (HRV) of middle-aged nurses during sleep after three different shifts (morning, afternoon and night shift).This investigation included a continuous recording of cardiac R-R intervals during sleep after morning, afternoon and night shift, by the use of the Data Logging System. Obtained results were analysed by classical methods as well as the spectral analyses. The mean values of R-R intervals, standard deviation and DM index did not show differences between all the periods of sleeping, but they showed similarities in patterns of changes, which was most probably due to the circadian rhythm. Spectral analyses showed the differences in spectral compositions of R-R intervals amongst the three periods of sleeping, especially in the low frequency band. The results are interpreted in terms of differences in the quality of sleep after different work shifts.

Shift workers ; sleep ; cardiac R-R intervals

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