Sleep and Shift Workers
Better Sleep for Shift-Workers
SleepSync is a research project, funded by the Monash-Warwick Alliance Fund, exploring whether a science-based mobile app can be used to support sleep and alertness in UK healthcare staff who work nights or rotating shifts. The app provides personalised recommendations based on individual shift patterns, sleep habits, and daily commitments.
How does sleep affect shift workers?
Circadian rhythms regulate the sleep–wake cycle, aligning biological processes with the 24-hour day. Shift work disrupts these rhythms, resulting in circadian misalignment that contributes to sleep loss, and increased risks to health, well-being, and safety. Around two-thirds of shift workers report insomnia, more than double the rate in the general population.
Existing approaches to managing sleep and alertness often rely on organisational or generic strategies, which are inconsistently implemented and difficult to personalise. Without tailored guidance, many shift workers struggle to apply sleep and alertness strategies effectively around complex and changing shift patterns.
Study Information
This is a 6-week, fully online feasibility pilot study involving NHS-affiliated nurses and healthcare assistants who work rotating/and or night shifts in the UK.
Participants who are eligible and consent to take part will:
- Use the SleepSync app for 6 weeks.
- Review personalised recommendations each day and use them as much as they are able.
- Complete short online questionnaires about sleep, wellbeing, burnout, and work functioning at the start, during, and end of the study.
Contact the Project Team
If you have any questions about the study or would like more information, please contact the research team.