| This excellent practical
guide introduces the many and varied forms of
shiftwork, adopting from the outset a broad
definition of the term to embrace any
regularly-taken employment outside the
'day-working window'. The authors, both
internationally recognized experts in the field,
describe in jargon-free language the diverse
experiences of shiftworkers, and identify the
problems associated with abnormal hours. As
shiftwork becomes more prevalent, prompted by
economic considerations of employers in both
traditional manufacturing and, more recently, in
the service sector, new shiftwork patterns are
being introduced. The authors acknowledge the
problems inherent in studying shiftwork,
reviewing three classes of study; field, survey
and laboratory simulation, and discuss the role
of national culture in determining and limiting
the applicability of 'generic' results. Topics covered include
human, biological, economic, social and domestic
influences; stress, strain and shiftwork; health
and safety; shiftwork and task performance. The
book concludes with a glossary of terms and
definitions.
Timothy H.
Monk has been engaged in researching the
human biological clock and its influences on
sleep and performance since 1974. He is currently
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of
the Human Chronobiology Program at the University
of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Simon
Folkard has been working in chronopsychology
since 1971. He currently leads the Body Rhythm
and Shiftwork Team at the Medical Research
Council's Applied Psychology Unit in Sheffield,
UK.
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