Strategies for Adaptation to Shift Work

More than 20% of the industrialized workforce includes shift workers. The misalignment between their work schedules and circadian clock-driven sleep-wake cycles can result in excessive sleepiness during work and disturbed sleep after work. Shift work is associated with various negative health consequences, and workers are at risk for shift work disorder. In this review, we focus on strategies to facilitate shift work adaptation, including medication, light therapy, scheduled sleep and naps, flexible shift schedules, sleep hygiene, and family and social support to promote sleep, wakefulness, and adaptation to the circadian clock. An integrated approach that combines multiple management strategies in contrast to a single approach, can enable more effective shift work adaptation.