Quick returns and night work as predictors of sleep quality, fatigue, work–family balance and satisfaction with work hours

Abstract

Quick returns (intervals of <11 h between the end of one shift and the start of the next) are associated with short sleeps and fatigue on the subsequent shift. Recent evidence suggests that shift workers regard quick returns as being more problematic than night work. The current study explored quick returns and night work in terms of their impact on sleep, unwinding, recovery, exhaustion, satisfaction with work hours and work-family interference. Data from the 2006 cohort of Swedish nursing students within the national Longitudinal Analysis of Nursing Education (LANE) study were analysed (N = 1459). Respondents completed a questionnaire prior to graduation (response rate 69.2%) and 3 years after graduation (65.9%). The analyses examined associations between frequency of quick returns and night work and measures taken in year three, while adjusting for confounding factors (in year three and prior graduation). Frequency of quick returns was a significant predictor of poor sleep quality, short sleeps, unwinding, exhaustion, satisfaction with work hours and work-to-family interference, with higher frequency predicting more negative outcomes. Quick returns did not predict recovery after rest days. Frequency of night work did not predict any of the outcomes. In conclusion, quick returns were an important determinant of sleep, recovery and wellbeing, whereas night work did not show such an association.

Short rest between shift intervals increases the risk of sick leave: a prospective registry study

“…One study on nurses reported that quick returns were related to the occurrence of needlestick injuries 17. Some studies have also linked quick returns to poor work–family balance,16 18 although other studies have not found this 19. All things considered, poor sleep, poor performance and domestic strain are frequently reported residues of quick returns, all of which have been associated with increased sick leave in previous studies 20–23…”

“…The frequency of quick returns has previously been shown to be positively related to sleep problems. One study found four quick returns per month or more to be associated with poor sleep quality, more frequent short sleeps and more problems unwinding 16. We know of only one previous study that investigated the relationship between quick returns and sick leave.…”

“…The time for real recuperation between shifts is however shorter due to commutes back and forth from work, time to unwind before sleep and time for personal needs, before returning to work the next day. The restricted time for rest induced by quick returns has been associated with shortened sleep duration and symptoms of insomnia,4 16 and reports of sleepiness and fatigue during the second shift in a quick return 6. One study on nurses reported that quick returns were related to the occurrence of needlestick injuries 17.…”

“…No significant relationship between night shifts and sick leave was found in the present study. Recent studies on nurses have associated quick returns with a range of sleep-related consequences, and at the same time reported relatively less detriments of night shifts 4 16. A proposed explanation for this is that quick returns may impose a greater strain on workers than that of night shifts 16.…”

“…Recent studies on nurses have associated quick returns with a range of sleep-related consequences, and at the same time reported relatively less detriments of night shifts 4 16. A proposed explanation for this is that quick returns may impose a greater strain on workers than that of night shifts 16. Also, the work load on nurses is often reduced during night shifts, as in-patients usually do not require the same level of care during nights compared to the rest of the day 26.…”