Features of circadian rhythms relevant for the design of shift schedules.

The first part of this paper reviews properties of circadian rhythms when free-running in constant conditions, or in situations where zeitgebers are insufficient for entrainment. The second part deals with problems of entrainment by natural and artificial zeitgebers, with phase controlling effects of sleep and the timing of meals, and with the need to differentiate between entraining and masking effects. The third part discusses phase shifts of circadian rhythms, especially the dependence of the rate of re-entrainment on the direction of the shift, and the splitting of the circadian system into parts which are shifted in opposite directions (re-entrainment by partition). The relevance of these features of circadian rhythms for the design of shift-work schedules is discussed.

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