Chronic effects of shift work on cognition: findings from the VISAT longitudinal study

Abstract

Shift work chronically impairs cognition, with potentially important safety consequences not only for the individuals concerned, but also for society.

Ergonomic Evaluation of the Perceived Mental Workload among Tunisian University Hospital Caregivers

“…We concluded that atypical schedule of work were not retained as a determinant of a heavier perception of the mental workload. Contrary to our results, several studies agree that alternate schedules are associated with a high mental workload [2] [22] [23]. Indeed, the frequent changes in the schedule have an impact on the memorization and the processing of the data of the service, which is imperative in the nursing activity.…”

“…A study conducted by the Direction of Research Studies Evaluation and Statistics (DREES), among 5000 employees of healthcare establishments in France, concluded that older caregivers have a heavier perception of the mental workload [2]. In addition, the Longitudinal Study of Aging, Health and Work (VISAT) conducted among 3200 employees, followed over 10 years, retained that with the advancement of age, the workload is felt to be more painful [23]. Similarly, the study conducted by the Directorate for Research and Improvement of Conditions of Work (DIRACT) among 44.531 Belgian workers between 1999 and 2007 concluded that as workers grow up, they have a more difficult mental and cognitive experience [22].…”

Shift work and cognitive aging: a longitudinal study

“…A prospective cohort study based on the same French cohort observed that any type of atypical work schedule versus normal work schedules, as well as duration of >10 years compared to fewer years of rotating shift work, were associated with lower scores on global cognitive performance and composite memory and speed performance. The study also reported that former shift workers who ceased working shifts within the past five years demonstrated recovery of cognitive functioning (12). Similarly, a cross-sectional Swedish study reported that current and past shift workers performed worse on the Trail Making Test of processing speed and executive cognitive function compared to ever day workers, and that performance did not differ between day-and shift workers who had quit shift work for >5 years (13).…”

Effects of aging on circadian patterns of gene expression in the human prefrontal cortex

“…Several studies in humans have reported diurnal differences in cognitive performance and a significant decrease in performance following circadian rhythm disruption (10)(11)(12). Interestingly, these measures vary by age with older adults performing better on cognitive tasks in the morning and getting worse throughout the day (12,13).…”