Assessing the Impact of Rotational and Shift Work on Sleep, Activity, Energy Balance, and Food Choice in Adults

The goal of this observational study is to compare different work schedules in adults above 30 years of age. Shift and rotational work have become increasingly common owing to the demand for 24/7 availability, especially in the province of Newfoundland, where a large cohort of workers are involved in shift working hours. There is an emerging body of evidence linking shift work with adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Short and poor-quality sleep usually results from repeated exposure to shift work, leading to disturbed circadian rhythms and energy balances. The main question this study aims to answer is the effect of shift and rotational work on physical activity, sleep and food choices in adults. Participants are required to do the following:Wearing an actigraphy watch, which is very similar to any other wristwatch, for seven days to objectively record their physical activity and sleep.Participants will be asked to do two 24-hour food recalls using Automated Self-Administered 24-hour (ASA24), a free dietary assessment web-based tool.Fill out a few questionnaires regarding demographics, chronotype (evening or morning preference), work schedule, sleep quality, stress levels, and physical activity levels.This is a field-based observational study collecting data both objectively and subjectively. The target population comprises 15 shift workers, 15 rotational workers and 15 daytime workers. This study will involve two visits to the lab. At the baseline, after taking informed written consent, anthropometric measurements, which include height, weight, and blood pressure, will be taken. Along with that, demographic, work schedule, and chronotype questionnaires will be filled. Participants will be instructed how to use the Actigraphy watch, ASA24, and sleep diary at home. After 7 days, participants will be asked to return to the lab to return the material. Participants will be asked to complete the physical activity, sleep quality and stress questionnaires. This study aims to monitor free-living behaviours in actual shift workers while participants are engaged in real-life work shifts.

Inclusion Criteria:30 years of age or older.Should be able to wear a watch for seven days.Should be working.Exclusion Criteria:Shifts less than 4.5 hours or shifts longer than 14 hours will not be considered.Being pregnant.Currently being breastfeeding.Having a child less than 1 year old at home.Travelled across time zones in the last four weeks.No change in medication in the last six months for any previous ongoing medical condition (by self-reported health history).