The demanding conditions faced by fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mining workers often result in sleep challenges, but recent research provides clarity on effective strategies to improve sleep quality. A study from Edith Cowan University, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, shines light on how these workers can combat fatigue and maintain well-being.
FIFO workers often endure long shifts under harsh conditions, making sleep elusive. This study found significant disruptions to their nightly rest, linking inadequate sleep with broader health issues. According to research, FIFO workers average between six to six hours and 19 minutes of sleep during day shifts, with night shifts dropping to between five hours and 32 minutes to six hours and 12 minutes.
Understanding these challenges, Philipp Beranek, a PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University, emphasizes the need for FIFO employees to adopt improved sleep hygiene. “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,” Beranek notes. His observations align with previous research, which indicates the significant effects of shift work on sleep quality and duration.
Beranek’s study identifies specific factors contributing to poor sleep among FIFO workers. The combination of rotating shifts and extensive working hours leaves little room for routine. This leads to irregular sleep patterns and insufficient rest, especially when paired with the myriad responsibilities workers juggle during their brief downtime.
The research stresses improved sleep hygiene correlates strongly with greater health outcomes. Workers who maintained consistent sleeping schedules and optimized their sleep environments reported experiencing both improved sleep quality and health. Beranek elaborates, saying, “Specifically, we found the best sleep health among FIFO workers who had optimized sleep environments and practiced good mental health.” He attributes these findings to the challenging living conditions prevalent on remote mining sites, which can include elevated temperatures during summer months affecting day sleep for night shift workers.
The study suggests practical strategies to address these issues and improve sleep quality, particularly within the confines of FIFO schedules. Key recommendations include setting air-conditioning between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius, purchasing comfortable bedding, adhering to disciplined wake and sleep schedules, and practicing mindfulness or meditation techniques. Beranek adds, “Having a regular sleep schedule came up as a significant aspect of sleep hygiene for FIFO workers. It is nearly impossible for shift workers to have consistent sleep schedules when they are on rotating shifts, but workers should aim to have regular sleep schedules for each phase of work.”
Addressing sleep difficulties is not just about the workers' personal routines; the conditions inherent to FIFO work can exacerbate issues. The nature of remote mining often presents barriers — from high demands at work to isolated living conditions, making it harder to prioritize rest. Beranek elaborates on this saying, “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 commuting from the mine site. It makes it difficult to manage sufficient sleep within the 24-hour period.”
Overall, Beranek’s research provides valuable insight for individuals, organizations, and policymakers interested in enhancing the well-being of FIFO workers. It not only highlights the need for strategies focused on improving sleep hygiene but also serves as evidence of the significant impact of sleep on health outcomes.
By integrating these strategies, FIFO workers may see considerable benefits, not just for their sleep, but also for their overall health and job performance. This path to improvement is not just about individual practices but also about fostering environments conducive to relaxation and recovery, which are imperative for workers facing relentless demands. Beranek concludes with hope for continued research: “We need to understand more to help support FIFO workers cope with the unique challenges they face.”