Temporal patterns in psychophysiological activation in rotating shift workers--A follow-up field study one year after an increase in nighttime work.

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Abstract
Long-term effects of a weekly rotating day-night shift schedule on circadian functions was studied. It was performed 1 yr after the introduction of an increase in night work and was a follow-up of a study performed 1 mo. after the change in workhours. Male typesetters (14) were observed in the 1st, 4th and 7th nights of the night week and on 2 dayshifts of the day week. Measurements were taken of body temperature and self-rated activation during awake periods, of adrenaline [epinephrine] excretion during work and sleep and of choice-reaction time during work. A different pattern of variation in circadian functions was present 1 yr after the increase in night work when compared to the pattern 1 mo. after the increase. The change in pattern consisted mainly of a general flattening of the curves during day and night work, although some changes from the beginning to the end of the nightshift week were noticed.