Psychomotor Driving Performance in Night‑Shift Nurses: Prospective Study
Summary
This prospective study tested 47 female nurses in Iran to compare driving-related performance after night shifts versus day shifts. Using the Vienna Test System, researchers measured reaction time, visual orientation, perceptual speed, and stress tolerance before and after shifts. Night-shift nurses, even with a 3-hour nap during their 12-hour duty, showed slower choice reaction times and poorer visual orientation compared to day-shift nurses. About 30% of night-shift nurses reported a traffic accident in the past year, nearly double the rate of day-shift peers.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
This study highlights the real danger of commuting after night shifts: fatigue reduces the quick reactions and visual processing needed for safe driving. Even built-in naps during shifts did not fully prevent impairments. For night-shift workers, this means the commute home is one of the riskiest times of day. Strategies like resting before driving, carpooling, or arranging alternate transport can help reduce accidents. For hospitals and employers, recognizing commuting safety as part of staff well-being is crucial in protecting workers after overnight duties.
Notes
Adds ecological validity to simulator findings.