The second event as part of the Daylight Management programme, a sprawling network of artists, researchers, scientists, night-shift workers and union representatives initiated and led by artist Martin Kohout.

For this event, Dr. Chris Harvey of the Sleep and Circadian Neurosciences Institute (SCNi) at the University of Oxford will join Night Shifts producer, Caroline Heron to discuss some of the issues raised by the project and look at how contemporary sleep science can contribute to establishing a more positive experience for workers on nights.

Since 2008 there has been a disproportionate rise in the number of people working nights across the UK. The highest increase has been seen in London, particularly in the areas of retail and warehousing (as a result of trends in internet shopping and new logistics capabilities), and personal security and care (as a result of an ageing population). Women account of two thirds of the recent rise, often in roles that are heavily gendered.

However, new knowledge generated around the functioning of our circadian rhythm and the negative effects of long and short term sleep disruption, highlight the need for additional support structures for those working nights.

The event will begin with a series of filmed interviews. These were conducted over 2017 with individuals in and around London who work or have worked night shifts. The interviews give a better understanding as to why they chose to take up nights, how they experience the persistent fatigue brought on by this pattern of work, how it affects their relationships and any isolation felt and finally, and the attitudes they’ve met from employers.

The screening will be followed by a 40-minute presentation from Chris on the SCNi’s research around night shift work and their ongoing workplace interventions followed by a Q&A led by Caroline Heron and group discussion.