A small change in work schedules can significantly improve the health of emergency room doctors. Matthew Robinson from the University of Missouri led a study to examine this issue. Instead of working their usual shift from 10 PM to 6 AM, emergency doctors worked from 8 PM to 4 AM.
The study found that this adjustment helped doctors sleep better. Sleeping earlier matches the body's natural internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. Disruptions to this rhythm often increase the risk of heart disease, inflammation, and job burnout.
Researchers used Fitbit devices to track sleep and measured markers of inflammation in the blood, such as white blood cell and platelet counts. After the schedule change, these health markers dropped, showing that the doctors experienced better physical recovery.
The new hours also gave physicians more daylight time to spend with family and friends. Because of these strong benefits, the department voted to make the earlier schedule permanent, and researchers hope to test similar changes with nurses soon.
Difficult words
- schedule — a plan of times when work or events happenschedules
- shift — a regular period of time during which someone works
- adjustment — a small change made to improve or correct something
- disruption — a problem that interrupts a regular process or eventDisruptions
- burnout — extreme tiredness and stress caused by working too hard
- recovery — the process of becoming healthy or strong again
- permanent — lasting or continuing for a very long time
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think working during the night affects a person's physical and social life?
- What are some simple changes in daily routines that help people sleep better?
- Do you think other night-shift workers, like nurses or drivers, should have similar schedule changes? Why or why not?
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