The Effects of Stress & Irregular Shift Hours on First Responders

First Responders are expected to maintain high-performance levels under extreme conditions. However, constant intense workplace stress, physical work demands, and irregular shift hours are taking a severe toll on frontline workers. These demands often lead to physical and mental health problems, poor job performance, and lifestyle issues. Without better support and resources, these demands will continue to cause first responders to be trapped in a vicious cycle that typically includes occupational trauma, stress, and maladaptive coping skills. The purpose of this research is to: 1. Better understand the physiological, psychological, and cognitive impacts workplace stress and irregular shift hours have on first responders 2. Better understand the most prominent challenges first responders face when trying to manage their own physical and mental health. Through the results of this study, we hope to identify possible solutions/interventions at the individual, clinical and departmental levels to help first responders better manage their stress and improve their quality of life.

This study aims to expand and improve current research regarding the physiological, psychological, and cognitive impacts that workplace stress and irregular shift hours have on first responders. The investigators will examine electroencephalogram (EEG)/heart rate variability (HRV) measurements and gut microbiota to help bridge the connection between the impacts of a physically and mentally demanding workplace with highly irregular shift hours on first responders. There are numerous studies conducted to evaluate how stress impacts first responders in areas such as physical and mental health, but there lacks comprehensive research that examines the physiological, psychological, and cognitive impacts of workplace stress and irregular shift hours have on first responders in the U.S. There also lacks information of the challenges first responders face when trying to manage their physical and mental health. To conduct these objectives, we will focus on these specific aspects: 1. The impact of shift hours (especially longer shift hours, e.g., firefighters 24 vs. 48 shift hours) on first responders, specifically in connection to sleep disorders and other cognitive function-related issues. 2. The connection between workplace incidents and stress/alertness levels - even during off-duty hours. 3. First responder self-help/stress relief coping techniques or modalities and their efficacy