In addition, after one or two nights with reduced sleep, work performance reduces, with less effective decision-making and increased risk-taking. The Society of Occupational Medicine has published a brief guide to best practice for managing night workers. The document defines "night work", outlines the 1998 Working Time Regulations and highlights the HSE guidance on night working management. It lists instances where night work should not be offered to employees (for example, if they have diabetes or other medical conditions that require a strict timetable) and details workers who are higher risk, such as the over-44s and women going through the menopause. It concludes with best practice recommendations, links to further resources and websites of organisations with interests in the area of sleep and night working.
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