Caffeine Helps Shift Workers Avoid Errors

It’s true – those cups of coffee after midnight help you pull an all-nighter without accumulating too many errors.  That’s according to a Cochrane Systematic Review article based on 13 randomized trials in shift workers.

Over 15% of workers from industrialized countries have some sort of shift or night-time work; this can upset their normal body rhythm, or circadian rhythm as it’s called.  It’s inevitable that shift workers suffer sleepiness during their working hours, and accidents may ensue.  The review article aimed to discover whether caffeine intake could influence the rates of errors in shift workers. 

Only two of the 13 trials measured error directly, while the others used neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive performance.  Caffeine was given in coffee, pills, energy drinks, or caffeinated food, along with suitable placebos as controls.

The trials measuring errors found that caffeine significantly reduced the number of errors, compared to placebo.  In the other trials, caffeine improved performance in neuropsychological tests focusing on memory, attention, perception, and reasoning.  One study compared the effects of caffeine with other ‘active’ interventions – a nap, bright light, or modafinil (Provigil®) – and found no significant differences. 

None of these trials assessed the effect of caffeine on the rate of work injuries.  However, it seems unlikely that there would be any deterioration in safety, given the changes seen with error rates and neuropsychological test results.  The researchers say their findings provide no reason for healthy people who already use caffeine to try to improve their alertness to stop doing so.  I’m glad to hear that!