The Chronobiologic-Based Practical Approach to Shift Work

With the rapid industrialization of modern society, people’s daily lives have changed. The invention of electricity has enabled the use of artificial light, which has consequently altered the industrial form and daily life [1]. The industrialization has increased both the types of occupations and the number of shifts available to workers. Shift work may be essential for security, infrastructure, and medical facilities, but in many cases, shift work is often done to increase productivity and convenience [2]. In Korea, approximately 10% of employees are shift workers. Among Korean shift workers, 50.4% work a rotating two-shift, 33.7% work a rotating three-shift, and 14.0% work a daily split shift [3]. Socioeconomic viewpoints can elucidate the necessity of shift work, though insufficient consideration and concern regarding the health effects on shift workers remain a prominent problem [4]. Shift workers may experience circadian rhythm disruption due to their shift work schedule; therefore, health impacts and consequences related to circadian rhythm disruptions should be seriously considered. Shift work can have both shortand long-term adverse health The Chronobiologic-Based Practical Approach to Shift Work