Twelve‑Hour Night Shifts and Nurses’ Driving Safety: Simulator Study
Summary
This high-fidelity simulator study tested driving performance in nurses after completing three consecutive 12-hour shifts, comparing day-shift and night-shift conditions. After night shifts, nurses showed more lane drifting, slower reaction times, and reduced driving stability compared with their performance after day shifts. The findings suggest that extended night schedules can temporarily impair alertness behind the wheel, even in experienced healthcare professionals.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
For nurses and other night-shift workers, the commute home is often when fatigue is most noticeable. This study shows that long runs of 12-hour night shifts can affect driving performance, making post-shift travel riskier. The practical takeaway is not discouragement—it’s preparation. Short naps before driving, carpooling, or planning alternative transportation when especially tired can help workers finish their shift as safely as they started it.
Notes
High‑fidelity simulator; counterbalanced design.