Affiliations: [a] Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, Behaviour Brain Body Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| [b] Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| [c] Asia Pacific Centre for Work Health and Safety, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Charlotte C. Gupta, Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, University of South Australia, C1-82, C-Building, St Bernard’s Rd, Magill 5072, Australia. Tel.: +61 08 8302 2611; E-mail: c.gupta@cqu.edu.au.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Residential support workers (RSWs) provide 24-hour care to clients and many work overnight sleepover nightshifts. Although RSWs perform safety-critical tasks and are at high-risk of work stress and exhaustion, the health and safety of RSWs has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE:This explorative workplace case study explored the impact of support work on the eating and driving behaviours of RSWs. METHODS:Thirteen RSWs who had worked a dayshift (n = 6) or a sleepover nightshift (n = 7) completed questions on the timing of food intake during their shift, motivations for eating during the shift, subjective work performance, alertness and sleepiness post-shift, and driving performance post-shift. RESULTS:RSWs reported snacking during the night on a sleepover nightshift. Time available was the biggest determinant for when RSWs ate during a day and sleepover nightshift. Ratings of subjective alertness and sleepiness after eating were not different between shift types, however participants reported an increase in work performance after eating during a dayshift. Driving events were more frequently reported post-sleepover nightshift, compared to post-dayshift. CONCLUSIONS:Findings demonstrate an impact of shift type on eating and driving behaviours of RSWs and highlight the importance of further investigation of this under-researched group to identify appropriate strategies for improving health and safety.
