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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-08-2010 | Original Article

Adaptation rate of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and cognitive performance in offshore fleet shift workers: a field study

Authors: Jakob H. Hansen, Ingunn H. Geving, Randi E. Reinertsen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2010

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the total phase delay and adaptation rate of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) on subjective and objective sleep quality and cognitive performance after 7 days of working night shifts (1800–0600 hours). The subjects studied were offshore fleet workers (N = 7).

Methods

Seven days of urine samples were collected to determine the total phase delay and adaptation rate of aMT6s. Subjective and objective sleep quality was registered with sleep diaries and actigraphy on a daily basis. Cognitive performance, as measured by vigilance and reaction time, was measured with the Vienna test system on days 1 and 7. Light exposure was measured in the vessel compartments daily.

Results

The rhythm of aMT6s shifted significantly from 4.78 ± 0.94 h on day 1 to 8.84 ± 1.76 h on day 7. Rate of adaptation was 0.84 h per day. Subjective sleep quality showed significant time effects on four variables, but objective sleep quality did not show any significant time effects. Vigilance and reaction time improved significantly from days 1 to 7. Light exposure intensities varied between 3 and 243 lux.

Conclusions

This field study showed that offshore fleet workers are able to adapt to the imposed regimen of 12-h night shifts. The adaptation is slower compared to other branches of the offshore industry, which most likely is due to lower light exposure. Subjective sleep quality improved to some extent, but the results were not conclusive. No significant effects were observed in the objective measures. Cognitive performance improved significantly, which was likely to be caused by the extended working hours on day 1 and an entrainment of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN).

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Title: Adaptation rate of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and cognitive performance in offshore fleet shift workers: a field study
Authors: Jakob H. Hansen
Ingunn H. Geving
Randi E. Reinertsen
Publication date: 01-08-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0547-x

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Adaptation rate of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and cognitive performance in offshore fleet shift workers: a field study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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