Shiftwork and Alcohol Consumption: A Systematic Review of the Literature

作者：Kneginja Richter, Lukas Peter, Andrea Rodenbeck, Hans Günter Weess, Steffi G. Riedel‐Heller, Thomas Hillemacher · 发表于：European Addiction Research · 年份：2020 · DOI：10.1159/000507573 · 被引用次数：79 · 研究领域：Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue、Sleep and related disorders、Workplace Health and Well-being

INTRODUCTION: Shiftwork can be a risk factor for a number of different somatic and psychological health conditions, especially sleep disorders. Shiftworkers sleep less than dayworkers, and 20-40% of them suffer from difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep, which result in reduced capacity for work and social life. A common coping strategy might be the use of alcohol, which presents a health and safety hazard as it further impairs sleep quality and exacerbates sleepiness in the workplace. This review aimed to assess the extent of such possible connections. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of the scientific literature on shiftwork and alcohol consumption in PubMed, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library. Only original studies comparing shiftworkers with non-shiftworkers were included. The recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were followed. RESULTS: Fourteen articles are included in this review. Six studies report some kind of connection between shift- or nightwork and alcohol consumption, especially as a sleep aid. Conflicting or negative results are reported by 3 studies. DISCUSSION: Shiftwork, especially working at night and in rotation shifts, is associated with binge drinking disorder in different professions. The reasons for pathological consumption of alcohol can be self-medication of sleep problems or coping with stress and psychosocial problems typical for shiftwork. Nurses aged over 50 years represent one impor...