Improving sleep habits could help fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mining workers enjoy better rest, according to a new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU).
Improving sleep habits could help fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mining shift workers enjoy better rest, according to a new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU).
Sleep hygiene encompasses various practices and environmental factors that can enhance sleep quality, such as maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in physical activity, and minimizing screen time. Although these tips may seem straightforward, the isolation of mining locations throughout Australia and the demands of the job often hinder workers from getting enough sleep.
Mr. Philipp Beranek, an ECU PhD candidate, pointed out that workers who are on shift schedules frequently struggle to achieve good sleep quality and adequate sleep duration.
Earlier studies indicated that FIFO day shift workers average between 6 hours and 6 hours and 19 minutes of sleep, while night shift workers get about 5 hours and 32 minutes to 6 hours and 12 minutes. On their days off, sleep duration improves to between 6 hours and 49 minutes and 7 hours and 18 minutes.
“Individuals working shifts often face challenges in establishing a consistent sleeping pattern, as their body’s natural clock usually doesn’t adjust well to irregular hours. For those on night shifts, they find themselves trying to sleep at times when their body is naturally alert,” Mr. Beranek explained.
“FIFO workers commit to long hours, yet still need to fulfill everyday responsibilities such as having meals, doing laundry, exercising, or commuting from the worksite. This makes it tricky to get enough rest within each 24-hour cycle.”
Mr. Beranek’s research revealed that FIFO workers with improved sleep hygiene tend to experience better health outcomes.
“Our findings reveal that FIFO workers who maintain a good sleep environment, regular sleep schedule, and sound mental health generally enjoy better sleep quality,” he noted.
“Creating an ideal sleeping environment can be challenging in remote mining camps. For instance, the Pilbara region in Western Australia can become extremely hot during the summer, leading to elevated indoor temperatures—this can disrupt the daytime sleep of night shift workers.”
Tips for improving onsite sleep hygiene:
- Set air-conditioning between 16 and 20°C
- Invest in a more comfortable pillow
- Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule
- Incorporate mindfulness or meditation practices
“Establishing a consistent sleep schedule emerged as a crucial component of sleep hygiene for FIFO workers. It’s challenging for shift workers to have fixed sleep patterns due to rotating shifts, but they should strive for a regular schedule for both day and night shifts, as well as during their time off,” Mr. Beranek concluded.
