NIGHT SHIFT SAFETYJustin ChristensenPHY 400Understanding sleep is very important to then understanding the effects of shift work and understanding how to increase safety. Very little is known about why we need a normal sleep cycle that includes sleep at night, but even less is known about the sleep cycles of those who try to sleep during the day and go to work during the long night. Not all studies clearly state how much sleep is actually necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Looking at the research, the results show that natural long sleepers and short sleepers have an increase in mortality statistics. What research has told us is that sleep is relegated by an internal clock or what experts call the circadian cycle. The first circadian comes from two Latin words circa: about and dia: day. All the different bodily functional cycles that occur during the day are linked to our circadian cycle. Since the time of Aristotle and Hippocrates, these cycles have been recognized. Our sleep/wake cycles are one of the body functions best known for showing circadian rhythms, and even our vital signs are directly linked to this cycle. As technology advances, we get more precise measurements, allowing researchers to recognize more circadian cycles which, in turn, teach us how our bodies work. On an interesting note, bone length has been found to be related and exhibit a circadian cycle. In the majority of circadian rhythms, there appear to be major components that include an endogenous component (which is regulated by an internal clock located in the hypothalamus). and an exogenous component. This exogenous component is made up of different cues over time in the world around us....... middle of paper ......hydrates, and lean meats) during their regular meals and breaks to reduce problems of their digestion pathways and also to keep a better level of alertness during work. Employers might consider, for example, installing refrigerated snack machines that stock low-fat fruit, cheese and yogurt, replacing “standard” snack machines that are stocked with standard sugary foods. Also avoiding caffeinated drinks helps with digestive issues. There are many other measures to increase safety and help those who work night shifts, but one small step, in any way, will increase safety every time. The key question for having a routine and eating well. Bibliography Costa, G. (1997). The problem: shift work. The problem: shift work, 89-98. Maynard, W. and Brogmus, G. (2006). Safer shift work thanks to more efficient scheduling. Occupational health and safety, 16.