This strategy is based on the assumption that one will work a certain number of nights each year. While one may not see as much of their family during their time on nights they can spend proportionately more time during the remaining 10 to 11 months and be well rested and fun to be around. Another major decision for any group is how many hours in a row to work. Traditionally most groups have worked two primary shifts of 12 hours each, with additional double coverage shifts of varying lengths as needed. There is a clear trend to shortening the primary shift.
Patient care is improved with a better rested, more alert physician.
There is also the ability to enjoy recreational pursuits even on work days with eight hour shifts. Certainly circadian principles are much more easily applied with eight hour shifts. If a group adopts a system of many nights in a row, shorter shifts are an advantage. One universally agreed principle is to have a clockwise shift rotation from days to evenings to nights and after a break, back to days. This takes advantage of the 25 hour endogenous cycle.