The impact of dayshifts and sleepover nightshifts on the eating and driving behaviours of residential support workers: An exploratory workplace study

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.