Association of Meal Timing with Sleep Quality and Anxiety According to Chronotype: A Study of University Students.

There are several determinants of mental health symptoms, ranging from individual characteristics to social factors. Consistent with patterns in the general population, students with evening characteristics tend to exhibit more anxiety symptoms and poorer sleep quality compared to morning students. Meal timing also appears to affect sleep and may be associated with mental health symptoms. In this context, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association of the timing of the main and last meals of the day with sleep quality and anxiety levels, according to the chronotype of university students. This study was conducted in colleges in São Paulo, Brazil, and involved application of a questionnaire to 162 university students. The questionnaire collected sociodemographic information meal and study times, and included scales assessing eveningness and morningness, sleep quality, and anxiety. Students demonstrating a phase delay in both chronotype and dinner timing exhibited higher levels of anxiety compared to morning-type students. Although no associations were observed between meal timing and sleep quality, sleeping later was associated with poorer sleep quality. The study suggests that evening students and those who eat late at night are more prone to presenting mental health symptoms. More studies are needed to further investigate this association.

12-week melatonin administration had no effect on diabetes risk markers and fat intake in overweight women night workers.

Introduction: Interactions between circadian clocks and key mediators of chronic low-grade inflammation associated with fat consumption may be important in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and may pose a risk for the development of obesity-associated comorbidities, especially type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Objective: The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of melatonin administration on diabetes risk markers according to dietary lipid profile (pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory) in excessive weight night workers, and to determine the effect of administration on fat consumption profile. Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover clinical trial involving 27 nursing professionals working permanent night shifts under a 12×36-hour system. The melatonin group (12 weeks) used synthetic melatonin (3 mg) only on days off and between shifts, while the placebo group (12 weeks) was instructed to take a placebo, also on days off and between shifts. For inflammatory characteristics, participants were divided into pro-inflammatory (saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol) and anti-inflammatory (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fats and EPA + DHA) groups according to fatty acid determinations. At baseline and at the end of each phase, blood glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin plasma concentrations were collected, and HOMA-IR was calculated. Conclusion: Melatonin administration for 12 weeks had no effect on T2DM risk markers according to dietary lipid profile (pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory potential) in excessive weight night workers. Among the limitations of the study include the fact that the low dose may have influenced the results expected in the hypothesis, and individual adaptations to night work were not evaluated. The insights discussed are important for future research investigating the influence of melatonin and fats considered anti- or pro-inflammatory on glucose and insulin homeostasis related to night work.

Seasonal and Regional Differences in Eating Times in a Representative Sample of the Brazilian Population.

Human food intake and its timing are a complex behavior that can be influenced by a variety of factors, some of which may vary from season to season or from region to region. In this study, our aim was to investigate the seasonal variation in food intake times, with a particular focus on how these may vary across different regions of a country. We conducted an analysis of data from 20,622 adults from the National Household Budget Survey (POF-IBGE), encompassing complete food diaries collected from individuals residing in Brazil, and thereby ensuring representation across different latitudes. Each participant's daily food intake was reported for two non-consecutive days at different times in the same week using food diaries. An ANOVA revealed a later food intake time in the evening in high-latitude regions compared to low-latitude regions. The Sidak post-hoc test showed a significant interaction effect between region and season, demonstrating a pattern of early First Intake Time and Eating Midpoint in the Northeast region during spring/summer. Additionally, we observed an independent effect of the region, as early food intake times were found in low-latitude regions. These findings offer a basis for discussing food intake times among individuals living in different regions located on distinct latitudes.

Impact of Nighttime Food Consumption and Feasibility of Fasting during Night Work: A Narrative Review.

Shift work has been associated with an increased risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity. The reduction in overnight fasting and its physiological consequences seem to affect the metabolic health of shift workers, but little has been discussed regarding the feasibility and implications of maintaining a night-long fast during work. This narrative review aims to discuss the impact of eating behavior on the reduction of overnight fasting in shift workers, as well as possible nutritional strategies involving fasting that have been tested for shift workers, to contribute to the establishment of nutritional guidelines for them. We used various databases and search engines to retrieve relevant articles, reviews, and investigations. Despite the potential benefits of overnight fasting for other groups, few studies have investigated this approach in the context of shift work. Generally, it seems to be a feasible and metabolically beneficial strategy for shift workers. However, it is essential to investigate the potential risks and benefits of reducing the fasting time for shift workers, considering social, hedonic, and stress-related factors. Furthermore, randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish safe and feasible strategies for shift workers to practice different fasting windows.

Insomnia symptoms during the covid-19 pandemic: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify lifestyle-related, sociodemographic, and mental health characteristics of people with insomnia symptoms and people without insomnia during the pandemic. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with data collected by snowball sampling using an online questionnaire. From November 2020 to April 2021, 6,360 people with a mean age of 43.5 years (SD = 14.3) participated in the survey. For this study, we considered 158 cases of insomnia disorder and 476 controls (three controls per case) randomly selected from the participants without sleep problems. RESULTS: The results of the comparative analysis between cases and controls showed that sleeping less than six hours daily (OR = 3.89; 95%CI 2.50-6.05), feeling sadness frequently (OR = 2.95; 95%CI 1.69-5.17), residing in metropolitan areas (OR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.04-2.84), being 40 years or older (OR = 1.93; 95%CI 1.22-3.06), and the interaction between occupation and poorer education (OR = 2.12; 95%CI 1.22-3.69) were predictors for symptoms of insomnia disorder during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to confirming the hypothesis that mental health problems are associated with insomnia symptoms, the results point to insomnia as an important outcome for studies on the effects of unemployment, vulnerability and low education of the population, especially in large cities, highlighting that the effects of the crisis on health and the economy are extremely unequally distributed.

Ergonomic workplace analysis (EWA) as a model for creating an instrument to assess rest locations for truck drivers.

Introduction: The relationship between sleep quality and rest location is rarely explored in the literature. In this context, ergonomic analysis instruments can contribute with information for a satisfactory rest environment throughout the work schedule. Objectives: To analyze the performance of an instrument based on Ergonomic Workplace Analysis for assessing rest locations. Methods: This study adapted an ergonomic instrument to a new purpose. To analyze its performance, we assessed the rest locations of truck drivers working for a large transportation company located in the state of São Paulo. Results: The variables adapted from the original Ergonomic Workplace Analysis were rest location, sequence of tasks, lighting, noise, indoor comfort, and thermal comfort. Photos and flowcharts were used to better describe the data. Conclusion: The new instrument was shown to be adequate for assessing rest locations. The drivers evaluated the accommodations more positively than the analyst, and truck sleepers and company accommodations were considered different both by the drivers and the analyst.

Introdução: A relação entre a qualidade do sono e o local de descanso é pouco explorada pela literatura. Nesse contexto, os instrumentos de análise ergonômica podem contribuir com informações para um ambiente de descanso satisfatório ao longo das jornadas de trabalho. Objetivos: Analisar o desempenho de um instrumento de avaliação de locais de descanso, desenvolvido a partir da ferramenta ergonomic workplace analysis (análise ergonômica do posto de trabalho). Métodos: O presente estudo se caracteriza por adaptar um instrumento ergonômico para uma nova finalidade. Realizou-se avaliação dos locais de descanso de motoristas de caminhão de uma empresa transportadora de grande porte, localizada no estado de São Paulo. Resultados: As variáveis adaptadas da versão original do ergonomic workplace analysis foram o local de descanso, a sequência de tarefas, a iluminação, o ruído, o conforto interno e o conforto térmico. As fotos e os fluxogramas foram utilizados para melhor descrever os dados. Conclusões: O novo instrumento se mostrou adequado para avaliar locais de descanso. Os motoristas avaliaram mais positivamente os dormitórios do que o analista, sendo que o local de descanso do caminhão e os alojamentos foram considerados distintos tanto para os motoristas quanto para o analista.

Meal timing variability of rotating shift workers throughout a complete shift cycle and its effect on daily energy and macronutrient intake: a field study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the meal timing variability of rotating shift workers throughout a complete shift schedule and its effect on daily energy and macronutrient intake. METHODS: Thirty male shift-workers from a mining company were evaluated in a complete rotation shift cycle over 240 consecutive hours (10 days; two days of morning shifts, two days of evening shifts, 24 h free, two days of night shifts and three days off). Food intake related variables [meal timing, energy (kcal) and macronutrient intake (%)] were assessed by 24 h recall by a trained nutritionist. Mixed models were used to analyze the variation in meal timing and energy and macronutrient intake throughout the shift cycle, as well as the interaction between shift and time ranges (00:00-03:59, 04:00-07:59, 08:00-11:59, 12:00-15:59, 16:00-19:59, 20:00-23:59). RESULTS: The first meal of the day was earlier on night shifts [D6 (3:44 ± 0:33) and D7 (5:52 ± 0:42)] compared to the other shifts (p < 0.001), except for D4 (evening shift; 5:51 ± 0:47) versus D7 (p = 0.999). Night shifts also showed a shorter night fasting (D5-D6, 9.3 h; D6-D7, 9.6 h) than most other nights (p < 0.05), except for the fasting between D1-D2 (11.3 h) and D3-D4 (11.2 h) (p > 0.05). There was no difference in 24 h energy intake throughout the shift cycle (p = 0.065). The analysis of interaction between shift and time ranges showed that night shift (D6) presented a higher intake of energy (441.5 ± 48.4 kcal), percentage of energy (D6: 17.8 ± 1.8%), fat (17.6 ± 2.0%), carbohydrate (17.0 ± 1.7%) and protein (16.4 ± 1.8%) between 00:00 and 03:59 compared with the other shift days (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Night shifts seem to contribute to a longer eating window than other shifts. Moreover, there is a higher energy and macronutrients intake during night shifts, which reduces the night fast period and could have implications for metabolic dysregulation.

Evening chronotype predicts dropout of physical exercise: a prospective analysis.

Purpose: Eveningness preference to sleep/wake and perform physical/cognitive activities has been associated with worse health outcomes, when compared to morningness preference. Physical activity is one potential mediator that could explain this relationship; however, most of these evidences come from cross-sectional design studies. Our goal was to assess whether chronotype could predict the risk of dropout of physical exercise programs. Methods: We followed 153 newly enrolled volunteers at three different gyms, from both sexes, aged between 18 and 65 years, during 12 weeks. The daily frequency of exercises in the programs was objectively measured (gym's electronic turnstiles). Using questionnaires, we collected data of variables related to demographic characteristics, health, physical activity, sleep, anthropometric and chronobiological parameters (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire-MEQ). Two multivariate models were created using Cox regression analysis to test the risk of dropout of physical exercise practice. Both models accounted for age, educational level, civil status, membership plan duration, physical exercise practice frequency during week 1 and chronotype (MEQ score and chronotypes). Results: Model 1 results showed that higher MEQ score was associated with a lower chance of quitting the program (HR = 0.98; CI95% 0.95-1.00; p = 0.046). Considering the chronotypes, E-types showed the highest dropout risk compared to that of M-types (HR = 2.22; CI95% 1.09-4.52; p = 0.027). Conclusion: Our results suggest that chronotype is another variable to be considered in future studies on promoting PAs in formal environments. Likewise, the practice frequency during week 1 and duration of membership plan also deserve more attention in additional studies.

Insomnia symptoms during the covid-19 pandemic: a case-control study / Sintomas de insônia durante a pandemia de covid-19: um estudo caso-controle

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify lifestyle-related, sociodemographic, and mental health characteristics of people with insomnia symptoms and people without insomnia during the pandemic. METHODS A case-control study was conducted with data collected by snowball sampling using an online questionnaire. From November 2020 to April 2021, 6,360 people with a mean age of 43.5 years (SD = 14.3) participated in the survey. For this study, we considered 158 cases of insomnia disorder and 476 controls (three controls per case) randomly selected from the participants without sleep problems. RESULTS The results of the comparative analysis between cases and controls showed that sleeping less than six hours daily (OR = 3.89; 95%CI 2.50-6.05), feeling sadness frequently (OR = 2.95; 95%CI 1.69-5.17), residing in metropolitan areas (OR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.04-2.84), being 40 years or older (OR = 1.93; 95%CI 1.22-3.06), and the interaction between occupation and poorer education (OR = 2.12; 95%CI 1.22-3.69) were predictors for symptoms of insomnia disorder during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS In addition to confirming the hypothesis that mental health problems are associated with insomnia symptoms, the results point to insomnia as an important outcome for studies on the effects of unemployment, vulnerability and low education of the population, especially in large cities, highlighting that the effects of the crisis on health and the economy are extremely unequally distributed.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Identificar características relacionadas ao estilo de vida, sociodemográficas e saúde mental de pessoas com sintomas de insônia e pessoas sem insônia durante a pandemia. MÉTODOS A partir de dados coletados por amostragem em bola de neve, por meio de um questionário online foi realizado um estudo caso-controle. Durante o período de novembro de 2020 a abril de 2021, 6.360 pessoas com idade média de 43,5 anos (DP = 14,3) participaram da pesquisa. No presente estudo, foram considerados 158 casos de transtorno de insônia e 476 controles (três controles por caso) selecionados aleatoriamente dentre os participantes sem problemas de sono. RESULTADOS Os resultados da análise comparativa entre casos e controles mostraram que dormir menos de seis horas diárias (OR = 3,89; IC95% 2,50-6,05), sentir tristeza frequentemente (OR = 2,95; IC95% 1,69-5,17), residir em metrópoles (OR = 1,71; IC95% 1,04-2,84), estar com 40 anos ou mais (OR = 1,93; IC95% 1,22-3,06) e a interação entre ocupação e escolaridade mais precária (OR = 2,12; IC95% 1,22-3,69) foram fatores preditores para sintomas de transtorno de insônia durante a pandemia. CONCLUSÕES Além da confirmação da hipótese de que problemas de saúde mental estão associados a sintomas de insônia, os resultados apontam para a insônia como um desfecho importante para estudos sobre efeitos do desemprego, vulnerabilidade e baixa escolaridade da população, sobretudo nas grandes metrópoles, ressaltando que os efeitos da crise sobre a saúde e a economia são distribuídos de forma extremamente desiguais.

The Effect of Exogenous Melatonin on Eating Habits of Female Night Workers with Excessive Weight.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Melatonin is a pineal hormone that plays an important role as an endogenous synchronizer of circadian rhythms and energy metabolism. As this circadian component has been closely related to eating behavior, an important question on this topic would be whether melatonin administration could influence eating habits. However, this topic has been rarely studied in the literature in individuals with excessive weight and chronic circadian misalignment, such as shift workers. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of exogenous melatonin administration on the quali/quantitative aspects and temporal distribution of food intake in female night workers with excessive weight (overweight and obesity). An additional aim is to evaluate the association of the referred outcomes with circadian misalignment and chronotype. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial was conducted with 27 female nursing professionals with excessive weight who worked permanent night shifts. The protocol was implemented under real-life conditions for 24 weeks, in two randomly allocated conditions (12 weeks of melatonin and 12 weeks of placebo). The quali/quantitative aspects of food intake (NOVA classification, total energy intake and the proportion of calories from macronutrients) and meal timing were assessed using food diaries. Timing for every meal recorded in the diaries was assessed to evaluate the temporal distribution of food intake. Generalized estimating equations were performed for each dependent variable. RESULTS: No significant modifications in total energy intake, macronutrient distribution, types of foods consumed, and meal timing were observed after melatonin administration. Different levels of circadian misalignment and chronotype did not interfere with these results. CONCLUSION: Eating habits of female night workers with excessive weight remained unchanged after melatonin administration, and no association of these results with circadian misalignment and chronotype was found. These results suggest that the metabolic effects of melatonin may occur independently of food intake.

Evaluation of truck driver rest locations and sleep quality.

Objectives: Truck drivers' work organization requires that rest and sleep be taken in various locations, where sleep quality might be affected by the discomfort of these environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate truck drivers' rest locations and their association with sleep quality utilizing an ergonomic approach. Material and Methods: The sleep quality of 81 truck drivers was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). An adapted version of the ergonomics workplace analysis (EWA) instrument was used to evaluate 44 rest locations. Results: Half of the workers preferred sleeper berths (51.2%) as a rest place. Sleep was classified as poor by 71.6% of the drivers. Dorms were rated more positively (p<0.001) by truck drivers (2.0±1.1) than by the analyst (2.6±0.6). Sleeper berths and dorms were rated statistically different by truck drivers (p=0.002), as well as by the analyst (p=0.003). No correlation was found between EWA evaluations and total score for sleep quality. Separate analyses of dorms and truck berths showed very few correlations. The higher the noise of roommates in dorms, the worse the sleep quality. Conversely, noise in corridors or outside the room positively impacted sleep quality. Conclusion: Noise in the rest place may affect sleep in both directions, negatively or positively. Sleep was classified as poor regardless of resting place. The quality of resting places seemed to have little effect on sleep quality of truck drivers. Factors other than rest place, such as work scheduling, are probably more important for promoting good sleep quality.

COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increased sleep disturbances and mental health symptoms but not help-seeking: a cross-sectional nation-wide study.

Objective: This study aimed firstly to describe sleep-related and mental health symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a national-wide sample and, secondly, to verify attitudes towards help-seeking to treat these symptoms. Material and Methods: Data were collected through an online questionnaire sent through the Brazilian Sleep Association's social media. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and sleep aspects questions currently and before the pandemic period. In addition, the survey addressed current and previous anxiety, depression, and burnout symptoms. The outcome help-seeking was addressed in the questionnaire as well by a single question asked when the participant reported mental or sleep problems. Results: The study covered 6,360 participants, mean age 43.5 years (SD=14.3), 76.7% female and 63.7% with undergraduate or higher degree filled out the survey. Seventy percent of participants reported sleep disturbances and 80% reported symptoms of anxiety during the pandemic. Help-seeking behavior was found only in one third of them. Hours of sleep reduced from 7.12 to 6.2h, which can be related with the increase in 28.2% of dissatisfaction with sleep duration during the pandemic. The highest frequency of complaints related to sleep was difficulty to fall asleep three or more times a week (going from 27.6% before the pandemic to 58.9% during the pandemic; p<0.001). Moreover, it was observed that help-seeking was more prevalent in men than women, and more in younger participants than in older ones. Conclusion: There was an increase of sleep and mental self-reported problems during the pandemic, which was not followed by help-seeking.

Circadian misalignment measured by social jetlag from early to late pregnancy and its association with nutritional status: a longitudinal study.

A mismatch between circadian and social clocks leads to a circadian misalignment, which has been widely measured by social jetlag (SJL). There are several studies measuring SJL, but it has not been studied in pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the occurrence of SJL throughout pregnancy and to verify whether there is an effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on SJL throughout pregnancy. The baseline of the present study was conducted with 205 1st trimester pregnant women of whom 100 were followed in their 2nd and 3rd trimester. SJL was calculated based on the absolute difference between mid-sleep time on workdays versus work-free days. The pre-pregnancy BMI and current BMI (kg/m2) were calculated. Linear regression and Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) adjusted for confounders were used to determine the association between SJL and the gestational trimesters (time), and anthropometric variables. Most of the pregnant women (54.5%) presented SJL > 1 h in the first gestational trimester. We also found an isolated effect of the gestation trimester on the SJL mean. In this sense, pregnant women had a decrease in SJL from the second to the third trimester (1.33 ± 0.08 versus 1.12 ± 0.07, respectively; p = 0.012). GEE analyzes showed that pregnant women of a normal weight showed a decrease in SJL from the second to the third trimester (1.29 ± 0.11 and 0.93 ± 0.08, respectively, p = 0.032), but this was not found in the other groups of nutritional status (underweight, overweight and obesity). In addition, a positive association between SJL and pre-gestational BMI in the third trimester (ß = 0.200, p = 0.046) was found. SJL is quite prevalent during the gestational period and excessive BMI both before and during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of having SJL > 1 h in the third and second trimesters, respectively. In addition, pregnant women of normal weight-but not underweight or overweight-had decreased SJL from the second to the third trimester.

Social Jetlag Is Associated With Impaired Metabolic Control During a 1-Year Follow-Up.

Previous studies have identified social jetlag (SJL) as a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs), but its association with metabolic control over time is unclear in the literature. Therefore, we examined the influence of SJL on metabolic parameters and blood pressure (BP) in patients with NCCDs over a 1-year follow-up. This retrospective, longitudinal study included 625 individuals (age: 56.0 +12.0 years; 76% female) with NCCDs [type 2 diabetes mellitus (TD2), systemic arterial hypertension (SHA), obesity, or dyslipidemia]. SJL was calculated based on the absolute difference between mid-sleep time on weekends and weekdays. Current metabolic parameters and BP of the patients were compared with data from a year prior. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the association among SJL, metabolic parameters, and BP. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for confounders showed that SJL was positively associated with the delta difference of fasting glucose (ß = 0.11, p = 0.02) and triglyceride levels (ß = 0.09, p = 0.04) among all subjects with NCCDs, and with fasting glucose (ß = 0.30, p = 0.0001) and triglyceride levels (ß = 0.22, p = 0.01) in the TD2 group. GEE analysis demonstrated an isolated effect of SJL on diastolic BP. High SJL impaired clinical and metabolic control in individuals with NCCDs, leading to a worse profile after a 1-year follow-up, particularly among type II diabetics.

Eating habits, sleep, and a proxy for circadian disruption are correlated with dyslipidemia in overweight night workers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between proxy for circadian disruption, eating habits, sleep characteristics, and dyslipidemic parameters. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover controlled clinical trial, and for this study, only baseline data were used. The sample was composed of 36 overweight female nurses who worked on a fixed night shift (12 × 36 h). Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between the mentioned variables. RESULTS: The participants' average age was 39.4 y (Standard error (SE) 1 y) and the average nighttime sleep duration was 5.76 h (SE 0.16 h). The average chronotype indicated a moderate early type (03:03 h; SE 20 min) and the average social jetlag was 03:42 h (SE 10 min). It was found that 1 h less of nighttime sleep increased very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 2.75 mg/dL and triacylglyceride levels by 3.62 mg/dL. Additionally, higher social jetlag was associated with higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. On the other hand, each additional hour in the chronotype increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 3.06 mg/dL and a time interval >2 h between the last meal and sleep onset was associated with higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: Short duration of nighttime sleep and high social jetlag are risk factors for dyslipidemia, whereas the late type and the longer time interval between the last meal and sleep onset appear to be protective factors for dyslipidemia.

Eating Duration throughout a Rotating Shift Schedule: A Case Study.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of the rotation between different shifts and free days within a short period of time on the food consumption is poorly addressed in the literature. Our objective was to characterize the eating duration (ED) over 10 d of clockwise rotating and to associate it with the intake of energy and macronutrients. METHODS: Thirty male shift-workers from a mining company were evaluated over a complete rotation shift schedule of 10 consecutive days (2 d of morning shifts, 2 d of afternoon shifts, 24 h free-day, 2 d of night shifts, and three free days). ED was defined as the interval between the first meal after awaking and last meal before sleep onset. Sleep/wake periods and food intake were evaluated by actigraphy and 24 h recalls, respectively. Generalized models were used to analyze the variation in ED and its association with nutrient intake over the shift schedule. RESULTS: ED periods showed significant variations throughout shift rotation and were associated with energy intake. The highest energy intake (3410 ± 235 kcal) and longest ED (20.7 ± 1.2 h) were found on Day 5, the day between afternoon and night shifts, and a part of Day 6 (night shift), i.e., in the longest period of wakefulness and the shortest sleep duration (4.7 ± 0.3 h) (p < 0.05 for all). The lowest energy intake (1284 ± 125 kcal) and shortest ED (4.96 ± 0.7 h) (p < 0.05) occurred after the last night shift (Day 7). The balance between the percentage of macronutrients did not differ statistically between the ED periods. CONCLUSIONS: In general, longer periods of wakefulness showed greater energy intake, demonstrating the tendency of workers to eat around the clock during their shift. Even with the energy intake variation, the balance of macronutrients remained the same over the ED periods. Despite the need of confirmation in future studies, these results suggest that the management of ED period could be considered in the nutritional approach of shift workers.

Academic productivism: when job demand exceeds working time.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the perception of pressure to publish academic work with job satisfaction and stress. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 64 graduate advisors from a public university in the city of São Paulo. Data collection conducted via an online questionnaire that included: sociodemographic, work and health data; Occupational Stress Indicator Job Satisfaction Scale and Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model. To assess the perception of pressure to publish academic work the advisors answered a numerical scale, assigning a score from 0 to 10 to how pressured they felt to publish their work (being 0 no pressure and 10 high pressure). Later, the generalized linear model was used to test the factors associated to high perception of pressure to publish academic work, adjusted for working time, academic management role and productivity grant. RESULTS: Advisors who had already worked in a higher education institution, who performed part of the work at home and who reported work stress were more likely to show perception of extreme pressure to publish academic work. This perception was associated with greater effort and over-commitment, as well as a greater imbalance between the effort employed and the reward received at work. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the professors' work organization and mental health are interrelated: the higher the perception of pressure to publish academic work, the greater the stress. However, this result does not seem to be reflected in the job satisfaction (or dissatisfaction). The apparently deliberate extension of working hours hides the precariousness and increased work to which professors have been subjected in recent years by public policies that commercialize education in Brazil.

Academic productivism: when job demand exceeds working time / Produtivismo acadêmico: quando a demanda supera o tempo de trabalho

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the perception of pressure to publish academic work with job satisfaction and stress. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 64 graduate advisors from a public university in the city of São Paulo. Data collection conducted via an online questionnaire that included: sociodemographic, work and health data; Occupational Stress Indicator Job Satisfaction Scale and Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model. To assess the perception of pressure to publish academic work the advisors answered a numerical scale, assigning a score from 0 to 10 to how pressured they felt to publish their work (being 0 no pressure and 10 high pressure). Later, the generalized linear model was used to test the factors associated to high perception of pressure to publish academic work, adjusted for working time, academic management role and productivity grant. RESULTS: Advisors who had already worked in a higher education institution, who performed part of the work at home and who reported work stress were more likely to show perception of extreme pressure to publish academic work. This perception was associated with greater effort and over-commitment, as well as a greater imbalance between the effort employed and the reward received at work. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the professors' work organization and mental health are interrelated: the higher the perception of pressure to publish academic work, the greater the stress. However, this result does not seem to be reflected in the job satisfaction (or dissatisfaction). The apparently deliberate extension of working hours hides the precariousness and increased work to which professors have been subjected in recent years by public policies that commercialize education in Brazil.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a associação entre a percepção da pressão por publicações com a satisfação e o estresse no trabalho. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 64 orientadores de pós-graduação de uma universidade pública da cidade de São Paulo. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de um questionário on-line que incluiu: dados sociodemográficos, laborais e de saúde; Escala de Satisfação no Trabalho do Occupational Stress Indicator e modelo Desequilíbrio Esforço-Recompensa (DER). Para avaliar a percepção da pressão por publicação foi criada uma escala numérica na qual o orientador deveria atribuir uma nota de 0 a 10 para o quanto se sentia pressionado a publicar seus trabalhos (sendo 0 nenhuma pressão e 10 muita pressão). Posteriormente, foi utilizado o modelo linear generalizado para testar os fatores associados à alta percepção de pressão para publicação, ajustado pelo tempo de trabalho, função de gestão acadêmica e bolsa produtividade. RESULTADOS: Maiores proporções da percepção de elevada pressão para publicação foram encontradas entre orientadores que já haviam trabalhado em instituição de ensino superior, que realizavam parte do trabalho em casa e que apresentavam estresse laboral. Associou-se essa percepção a um maior esforço e comprometimento excessivo no trabalho, bem como a um maior desequilíbrio entre o esforço empregado e a recompensa recebida no trabalho. CONCLUSÕES: Os achados desta pesquisa sugerem que a organização do trabalho e a saúde mental dos trabalhadores estejam inter-relacionados: quanto maior a percepção de pressão por publicação maior o estresse. No entanto, esse resultado parece não se refletir na satisfação (ou insatisfação) do trabalho. O prolongamento aparentemente deliberado das horas de trabalho oculta a precarização e intensificação do trabalho a que os professores têm sido submetidos nos últimos anos pelas políticas públicas que mercantilizam a educação no Brasil.