Research Plus

Caffeine use in shiftworkers

Caffeine may help improve the performance of shiftworkers but there is no evidence either way that it can reduce injuries. This Cochrane review found 13 trials studying the effects of caffeine on error and cognitive performance; however, none looked at its effect on workplace injuries. There is weak evidence that caffeine reduces errors in shiftworkers, and some evidence that it improves cognitive performance, but methodological weaknesses limit confidence in the findings. There is insufficient evidence to ascertain how caffeine compares with other interventions, such as naps, bright light and the analeptic drug modafinil.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010; 5: CD008508.

Tags evidence based practice shiftwork

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2010 (vol. 07/2) pp39