Describe shift work. List some of the documented adverse effects ...

[LCritchfi]

Describe shift work. List some of the documented adverse effects of shift work.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Define circadian rhythm. What behavioral changes occur when this is disturbed?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[johnpizzaz]

Answer to Question 1

Shift work is a type of work schedule that 20-25 percent of workers follow, refers to any regular employment outside the 7 a.m.-6 p.m. interval (Sulsky & Smith, 2005, p. 100). It may include rotating shifts in which workers are on a system that changes shifts periodically (e.g., from a morning shift to an evening shift) or on an unchanging permanent shift (e.g., always a night shift). Documented adverse effects of shift work include chronic fatigue, loss of sleep, declines in memory and cognitive functioning, family and social life disruptions, and detrimental health conditions (Bourdouche et al., 1999; Rouch, Wild, Ansiau, & Marquie, 2005).

Answer to Question 2

Circadian rhythm refers to our 24-hour biological cycle linked to the light-dark cycle that regulates our internal physiological processes such as for example, core body temperature, hormone levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and so forth. When this is disturbed, it disrupts our concentration and ability to perform work tasks well.