Understanding Circadian Rhythms: A Holistic Approach to Nurses and Shift Work

When night shift nurses drive home at 7:30 a.m., the daylight resets their circadian pacemakers in the retina. This daylight exposure amplifies desynchronization of the circadian rhythm. It was found that 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. shifts produced less physiological and emotional stresses. Increased awareness of circadian rhythms may help to reduce the multiple risks to nurses' health and enhance quality of life. This article presents the scientific principles of circadian rhythms and their effects on shift workers' health and illnesses. There is a significant decrease in job performance and in satisfaction and quality of patient care. Statistics indicate that errors, injuries, sick days, and accidents are higher for nurses' working rotating shifts. Eleven recommendations provide ideas to support nurses holistically.