The effects of shift-work schedules on the sleep, health, safety, and quality of life of police employees during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

IntroductionThe negative health and safety consequences of police fatigue are increasingly recognized as a critical problem. This study’s objective was to measure the effects of different shift schedules on police employee health, safety, and quality of life.MethodsA cross sectional research design surveyed employees (N = 319) from a large, U.S. west coast municipal police service during the fall of 2020. The survey was made up of a battery of validated instruments designed to assess dimensions of health and wellness (e.g., sleep, health, safety, and quality of life).ResultsWe found 77.4% of police employees had poor sleep quality, 25.7% had excessive daytime sleepiness, 50.2% had PTSD symptoms, 51.9% had depressive symptoms, and 40.8% had anxiety symptoms. Working night shifts significantly decreased sleep quality and increased excessive sleepiness. Furthermore, employees working night shifts were significantly more likely to report falling asleep at the wheel while driving home than employees working other shifts.DiscussionOur findings have implications for interventions designed to promote police employee sleep health, quality of life, and worker safety. We urge researchers and practitioners alike to target night shift workers, to help mitigate these risks.

Associação entre a qualidade do sono e indicadores do consumo alimentar e do nível de atividade física de policiais militares do batalhão de operações especiais

“…Embora exista um robusto corpo de evidências científicas a respeito da relação entre qualidade do sono e saúde humana, e a higiene do sono seja amplamente reforçada a fim de prevenir doenças, a atividade policial ainda ocupa uma posição de vulnerabilidade devido às características da sua função ocupacional, estando significativamente associados aos anos de serviço prestados e ao turno noturno de trabalho, levando à piora na qualidade do sono (Chaput et al, 2020;Nelson;Davis;Corbett, 2022;Garbarino et al, 2019) Problemas substanciais em relação ao sono na população policial foram previamente apontados em estudos anteriores. Durante a pandemia de COVID-19, houve altas taxas de sono insatisfatório, sonolência excessiva, além de transtorno de estresse pós-traumático e transtornos psicológicos, como ansiedade e depressão (James;James;Atherley, 2023). Parece haver a mesma tendência em policiais de elite da PM, onde uma alta prevalência de má qualidade do sono e distúrbios do sono também foi observada, estas condições impactam negativamente a qualidade de vida desses trabalhadores, além de contribuir para a sonolência diurna excessiva e acidentes de trabalho (Pinto et al, 2018).…”

How does working time impact perceived mental disorders? New insights into the U-shaped relationship

“…In addition, studies from the work arrangement perspective show that shift arrangements and night work increase depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment and even suicidal tendencies ( 16 – 19 ). This is because irregular working hours may disrupt social networks, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which in turn increase mental stress ( 20 ). Moreover, the circadian rhythm disruption caused by night shifts could result in hormonal imbalances, decreased immunity, and other negative health consequences, exacerbating mental health issues ( 21 , 22 ).…”