these short sleeps are happening. During those few seconds of sleep,
they are not paying attention at all. If something dangerous happens
at those times, the worker or somebody else could get seriously hurt.
Circadian Rhythm, Performance, and Safety
The circadian rhythm is a major body rhythm with regular ups and
downs in the 24-hour day. Many systems in the body are very active
at certain times of day, and not active at all at other times of day.
Usually the most activity happens in late afternoon or early evening.
For example, the body's ability to produce energy from food (metab-
olism) is highest in the afternoon to evening. The least activity usually
happens in the middle of the night when most people are asleep.
This is one reason people feel most active and alert around
4 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and sleepiest at 4 to 6 o'clock in the
morning.
There also are personal differences in circadian rhythms. Some peo-
ple are morning types or "larks." Morning people feel most active and
alert early in the day. They usually go to bed early in the evening.
Other people are evening types or "owls." Evening people feel most
active in late afternoon or evening, and like to stay up late into the
night. Fishermen who are out on the water before dawn usually are
morning types. Musicians who perform in the evening usually are
evening types. Most people, however, are somewhere in-between the
strict morning and evening types.
The internal circadian rhythm affects how alert people feel. This
affects their ability to perform. People perform best when alertness
and internal body activity is high, and worst when alertness and
activity are low. In the normal day-work, night-sleep situation, people
work when the circadian rhythm is high and sleep when it is low. On
average, this schedule is best for performance, which means it also is
best for safety. When workers perform poorly, they are more likely to
make errors that could lead to accidents or injuries.
Health and Safety Effects of Shiftwork
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Summary :
This is one reason people feel most active and alert around 4 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and sleepiest at 4 to 6 o'clock in the morning. Evening people feel most active in late afternoon or evening, and like to stay up late into the night. People perform best when alertness and internal body activity is high, and worst when alertness and activity are low.
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