Shiftwork is a common experience for many workers. There are a wide range of shift systems in use, with a number of general approaches and myriad variations of each one. Many aspects of shift systems have been studied, but attempts to reach definitive conclusions about appropriate designs have been hampered by a number of methodological issues. The aim of this systematic review was to provide evidence-based recommendations on the effect of various shift systems on neurobehavioural and physiological functioning and to identify areas which are lacking in appropriate evidence.

Two main aspects of shift design were able to be considered—the direction of shift rotation and extended shift length (mainly 12-h shifts). Other areas for which there was at least one relevant paper of adequate methodology were the use of naps during night shifts, the starting time of shifts, and several other specific shift issues. Overall, the review found there is insufficient evidence to support definitive conclusions regarding any of these factors. However, the analysis provides support for the use of forward rotating shift systems in preference to backward rotating shift systems, at last as far as 8-h shifts are concerned.

There are many unanswered questions in shift design. For these questions to be answered, it is important that the methodological shortcomings present in most of the studies published to date be overcome.