Spring forward: Logistics UK shares how nighttime workers can thrive

As the clocks change to British Summer Time (29 March) and the nation is reminded how even a small change can affect our body clocks, business group Logistics UK is championing the UK’s 8.7 million nighttime workers who are critical for keeping the economy moving yet are the group most at risk from sleep disruption.

Persistent sleep deficit increases the risk of poorer mental health and wider physical health impacts with research from Night Club showing around 48% of night workers get fewer than six hours sleep. Through its online wellbeing hub THRIVE, Logistics UK is highlighting the importance of quality rest and sharing best practices to ensure shift workers can achieve a good night’s sleep.

“The flexibility and financial benefits of night shift work need to be balanced with good health,” said Logistics UK’s Head of Road Freight & English Regions Policy Maddi Solloway-Price. “The logistics sector works around the clock and night shift workers are an integral part of that, carrying out jobs that ensure businesses can continue to operate as normal.

“But research shows that these workers are much more prone to fatigue and sleep disruption, significantly impacting mental health and physical wellbeing and despite a common misconception, 97% never fully adjust to their nocturnal regimes*.

“In a sector that often faces long hours and high levels of responsibility, it’s essential that shift workers receive the support they need, which is why the tools available on THRIVE are so important to our industry.”

Last year, Logistics UK launched THRIVE, its online hub dedicated to mental health and wellbeing. The hub provides logistics workers with trusted resources on all areas of wellbeing including nutrition and fitness with expert insight on sleep provided by Night Club, a social purpose initiative developed in collaboration with Oxford University’s Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNi) and shaped directly by the experiences of night workers themselves.

Ben Lumley, Co-Head of Programme at Night Club said: “Shift workers are the backbone of our economy and keep our 24/7 society running.

“But these workers are more likely to struggle with fatigue and poor sleep quality due to the hours they work. Employers often struggle with recruitment and retention as a consequence.

“There are achievable steps that night workers can put into practice, such as reducing light exposure before bed or charging their phone outside the bedroom.

“Sleeping well when working nights requires some education and habit changes, but for many a small effort can have a big impact.

“We also strongly encourage employers to support worker wellbeing and to listen directly to the experiences of their night teams, to see what organisational changes can help workers to thrive.”

Top tips for improving shift worker sleep:

• Get at least 30 minutes of bright light exposure at the beginning of the shift to boost awareness, and reduce light exposure before bed.

• Make your bedroom a sanctuary – charge your phone elsewhere, keep the room dark (try blackout blinds or an eye mask) and quiet (ear plugs or white noise can block sounds).

• Build a consistent bedtime routine you can repeat no matter when you’re trying to fall asleep – perhaps including breathing exercises to relax mind and body.

For more information and tips on maximising workforce wellbeing and minimising sleep disruption visit Logistics UK’s THRIVE: https://logistics.org.uk/thrive

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk