SHIFT WORK DISORDER - myCME.com

3.2.1.1 Both the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ)and measurement of circadian phase markers (e.g., core bodytemperature nadir or timing of melatonin secretion) are at presentof unproved usefulness in evaluation of patients with suspectedSWD. [6.3.2; 6.3.5] (Option)One level 3 study 11 showed that the Morningness-EveningnessQuestionnaire (MEQ) score did not reliably predict an individual’sadaptability to perform shift work. Another level 3 12 studydemonstrated that morning-type individuals may be significantlysleepier than evening-type persons during simulated night shiftwork. One level 2 13 and two level 3 14,15 studies have utilized timingof melatonin rhythm (urinary aMT6s, DLMO) to evaluatephase shift among night shift workers; results from these studieshave varied ranging from an absence of phase shifts to completeadaptation. Using mathematical de-masking algorithms, corebody temperature minimum (CBTmin) has been used in severalsimulated shift work studies to evaluate phase shifting; 16-20 its applicationin the field appears limited. While these measures have,for the most part, been used in simulated shift work studies, thereare no trials evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of these tests inclinical practice.3.2.1.2 Planned napping before or during the night shift isindicated to improve alertness and performance among night shiftworkers. [6.4.1] (Standard)One level 1, 21 two level 2, 22,23 one level 3, 24 and one level 4 25studies utilizing both shift work laboratory simulation and fieldinvestigations have shown that napping, including early pre-shiftsleep periods, increased alertness and vigilance, improved reactiontimes, and decreased accidents during night shift work, withoutaffecting post-shift daytime sleep.3.2.1.3 Timed light exposure in the work environment and lightrestriction in the morning, when feasible, is indicated to decreasesleepiness and improve alertness during night shift work. [6.4.2.1](Guideline)One level 2 26 , five level 3 11,27-30 and one level 4 31 studies, utilizingdifferent light intensities (2,350 to 12,000 lux) administeredin various schedules (20 minutes during breaks; four 20-minuteperiods throughout the night shift; 30 minute exposures; at least50% of the shift; during the first half of the shift; or as long as possibleduring the shift; and with or without restriction of daytimelight exposure using goggles) have demonstrated subjective improvementsin work time performance tasks, alertness, and moodcompared to ordinary light exposure. Some studies, but not others,have also shown shifts in certain phase markers of circadianrhythms (e.g., salivary melatonin, CBTmin), and improvementsin daytime sleep.shift improved daytime sleep quality and duration, caused a shiftin circadian phase in some but not all subjects, but failed to enhancealertness at night. Melatonin doses in these studies rangedfrom 0.5 to 10 mg. From these data, effectiveness did not appearto correlate with dosage strength or form. However, both level 1simulation studies showed a positive effect on sleep quality andused dosages ranging from 1.8 to 3 mg.3.2.1.5 Hypnotic medications may be used to promote daytimesleep among night shift workers. Carryover of sedation tothe nighttime shift with potential adverse consequences fornighttime performance and safety must be considered. [6.4.2.3](Guideline)This recommendation is based on both night shift simulationexperiments (two level 1 studies using triazolam 39,40 and onelevel 2 study of temazepam 41 ) and night shift field investigations(one level 1 42 and one level 2 43 study of zopiclone, andone level 3 44 study of triazolam). These studies have generallydemonstrated improvements in the duration and quality of daytimesleep compared to controls but without consistent effectson objective measures of nighttime alertness. Although the evidencefor a positive effect on daytime sleep is strong (favoringa “Standard” strength recommendation), the balance of risk andbenefit for shift workers is less clear. The clinician should considerthat such medications might worsen other coexisting sleepconditions such as sleep related breathing disorders, and takecare to individualize therapy and monitor for adverse effects byclose follow-up.3.2.1.6 Modafinil is indicated to enhance alertness during the nightshift for SWD. [6.4.2.4] (Guideline)Caffeine is indicated to enhance alertness during the night shiftfor SWD. [6.4.2.4] (Option)Studies (field or simulated shift work) using psychostimulants,such as modafinil (two level 1) 9,45 caffeine (one level 1), 21 andmethamphetamine (one level 2) 46 for SWD have demonstrated efficacyin countering sleepiness and improving psychomotor performanceduring the night shift compared to placebo. Modafiniland caffeine in medical doses have established safety records, soin most cases when enhanced alertness is necessary, the benefitsoutweigh the risks for this application. However, the practitionerneeds to take care when using alerting or stimulant agents thatthey do not impair daytime sleep periods. Furthermore, althoughmethamphetamine has also been shown to have efficacy in improvingsleepiness, the evidence is less strong, and chronic use ofmethamphetamine can be associated with significant abuse liability.Finally, stimulants have not been shown to be a safe substitutefor adequate sleep.3.2.1.4 Administration of melatonin prior to daytime sleep isindicated to promote daytime sleep among night shift workers.[6.4.2.2] (Guideline)Results from two level 1 32,33 shift work simulation studies, aswell as one level 1, 34 three level 2 35-37 and one level 3 38 field studiesamong night workers were analyzed. Compared to placebo,melatonin administration prior to daytime sleep after night workSLEEP, Vol. 30, No. 11, 2007 14493.2.2 Jet Lag DisorderJet lag disorder (JLD) is a temporary circadian rhythm disorderrelated to travel across time zones in which there is a misalignmentbetween the timing of the sleep and wake cycles generatedby the endogenous circadian clock and that required in the newtime zone. Associated symptoms occur within one to two daysafter travel, and include a complaint of insomnia or excessivePractice Parameters for the Clinical Evaluation of CRSD—Morgenthaler et al