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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-02-2015 | Original Article

Neuroendocrine recovery after 2-week 12-h day and night shifts: an 11-day follow-up

Authors: Suzanne L. Merkus, Kari Anne Holte, Maaike A. Huysmans, Åse Marie Hansen, Peter M. van de Ven, Willem van Mechelen, Allard J. van der Beek

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 2/2015

Abstract

Purpose

The study aimed to investigate the course and duration of neuroendocrine recovery after 2-week 12-h day and night shift working periods and to study whether there were differences in recovery between the shift groups.

Methods

Twenty-nine male offshore employees working 2-week 12-h shift tours participated in the study; 15 participated after a day shift tour and 14 after a night shift tour. Salivary cortisol was assessed at awakening, 30 min after awakening, and before bedtime on the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 11th day of the free period, with a reference day prior to the offshore tour. Differences were tested using generalised estimating equations analysis.

Results

Compared to the reference day, night shift workers had a significantly flatter cortisol profile on the 1st day off, significantly lower cortisol concentrations at 30 min after awakening on day 4 and at awakening on day 7, and a significantly smaller decline to evening concentration on days 4 and 11. Compared to the reference day, day shift workers only showed a significantly lower cortisol concentration at awakening on the 1st day off. Compared to day workers, night shift workers had a flatter profile on the 1st day off and a lower cortisol concentration at awakening on the 4th day.

Conclusions

Following 2-week 12-h night shift working periods, recovery was not fully complete up to day 11. Following 2-week 12-h day shift working periods, an indication of incomplete recovery was found on the 1st day off, with full recovery reached on day 4.

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Title: Neuroendocrine recovery after 2-week 12-h day and night shifts: an 11-day follow-up
Authors: Suzanne L. Merkus
Kari Anne Holte
Maaike A. Huysmans
Åse Marie Hansen
Peter M. van de Ven
Willem van Mechelen
Allard J. van der Beek
Publication date: 01-02-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-014-0954-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Neuroendocrine recovery after 2-week 12-h day and night shifts: an 11-day follow-up

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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