FIFO sleep struggles studied
Print
New research highlights the importance of sleep hygiene for FIFO workers.
A study, led by PhD candidate Philipp Beranek, surveyed 470 FIFO workers to explore the link between sleep health and sleep hygiene - an area that has received little attention despite the demanding nature of shift work in remote mining sites.
Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and environmental factors that influence sleep quality, such as having a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
While these may seem straightforward, they pose a challenge for FIFO workers juggling 12-hour shifts, long commutes, and camp accommodations.
“FIFO workers have long shifts, yet they are still required to do all the normal things as well, like having dinner, washing their clothes, doing exercise or even commuting from the mine site,” Mr Beranek says.
“It makes it difficult to manage sufficient sleep within that 24-hour period.”
The research found that workers with better sleep hygiene reported significantly improved sleep health.
“Specifically, we found better sleep health in FIFO workers that have a better sleep environment, more regular sleep schedule, and better mental health,” Mr Beranek said.
This includes having an optimal sleep environment, which can be tricky in places like the Pilbara region of Western Australia, where scorching summer temperatures can make it hard for night shift workers to sleep during the day.
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule emerged as one of the key factors for better sleep.
Mr Beranek acknowledged the difficulty of consistency with rotating shifts but suggested that workers aim for separate routines tailored to day shifts, night shifts, and time off.
The study also noted that while factors like caffeine or exercise close to bedtime did not significantly affect sleep health, elements such as sleep regularity, mental health, and sleep environment played a bigger role.
Improving sleep hygiene onsite can be achieved by setting the air-conditioning between 16 and 20°C, using a more comfortable pillow, maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, and practising mindfulness or meditation.
“Shift workers often experience sleep disruptions because they are unable to allocate a constant and specific time for sleeping, and their body clock is often not adjusted for this. If you are working the night shift, it requires you to go to bed at a time when your brain and body usually are awake and set to function,” Mr Beranek said.
The full study is accessible here.
