In an earlier post, I described the importance of circadian rhythm in organizing basic physiological processes. The significance of this (and shorter and longer period rhythms) rhythm is usually inversely proportional to its discussion, especially in medicine. But occasionally there is a 'flyer,' some paper that just shoots of of the rough and lands on the map.
"Shift Work in Nurses: Contribution of Phenotypes and Genotypes to Adaptation"
Interesting in that it points out a number of the obvious issues with changing patterns of shift work, but also correlations with particular genetic features, which is pretty novel. Good read, just for all the background about the health risks with shift work.
And for a bit more entertainment, a very nice piece by one of the deans of chronobiology (no, I did not just make that up!), commenting on sleep and the training of residents., here.
The utility of this kind of training reduced the residents to such sleep deprivation that patients simply become obstacles to sleep. Easy to grind the empathy out of people. Not too sure what to expect with the new training laws. Maybe I'll find a younger doctor and see.
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