La « micro-sieste » à l’épreuve de la nuit

Abstract

This article looks at the unique characteristics and timeframes of night shift work, via the study of a “short-nap” project that aims to improve rest and recovery conditions for both day and night-shift healthcare workers. It is based on a case study of a hospital service organized around 12-hour shifts, combining ethnographic observations (during the day and at night), with formal and informal interviews. Few day-time health-care professionals take the recommended “short-nap”, due to the heavy demands and workload, making it difficult to take a break, especially away from the ward. At night-time, taking a “short nap” is hampered by the potential interference with the time available for collective support and socialization. The article demonstrates how the specific characteristics of night shift work, rest practices, training and its’ associated values, engage and sustain occupational collectives.

Keywords

• night shift work
• occupational health
• healthcare collective
• recovery
• naps