Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Shift Work Sleep Disorder General Information

Shift Work Sleep Disorder is the generic term used to denominate a circadian rhythm disorder of the sleeping process which occurs due to an unbalanced sleep schedule – most commonly, due to the fact that the sleeping schedule is replaced with work. Mainly, this refers to the need – compulsion, obligation – to work during the time when the body feels the need to rest, and on the other hand, to rest during the time when the body enters the period when it is normally active. Such a sleep medical problem will cause further sleeping disturbances and excessive tiredness.

The presence of this clinical illness is commonly reported due to early-morning and / or night shifts, as individuals who work after such schedules tend to sleep from 1 to 5 hours less than the average worker does. Furthermore, such individuals do not benefit from a high-quality sleep and their tiredness has not disappeared when they wake up. Such factors are known to affect their work performances, making them less alert. For this reason, injuries at work may become quite common. The presence of this sleep disturbance (Shift Work Sleep Disorder) is known to generally last for as long as the patient keeps his work schedule. However, in some rare cases, the sleep problems continue even if the patient has given up his early-morning or night shifts. Working long shifts or extra hours can also lead to the developing of this clinical illness.

Shift Work Sleep Disorder Symptoms

Like most other medical conditions, the presence of this sleep disruption may lead to the developing of several unpleasant clinical manifestations. In this chapter we aim to familiarize you with the most common clinical symptoms that a patient who is suffering from Shift Work Sleep Disorder may start complaining of. The presence of these medical signs, along with the patient’s description of his or her daily routine will help the physician set a correct diagnosis regarding the patient’s medical condition.

The two most common clinical manifestations that are widely associated with the presence of this sleep medical condition (Shift Work Sleep Disorder) are known to be excessive (unusual) sleepiness and, of course, insomnia. Most patients who are suffering from such a circadian rhythm clinical illness present both these symptoms. However, their severity is known to vary from one clinical case to another. Other symptoms that may be triggered by the presence of Shift Work Sleep Disorder (commonly abbreviated as SWSD) include lack of energy, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and so on. All individuals must be well aware that not all patients who work in shifts suffer or develop this medical condition. However, if you are currently working on shifts and you find yourself experiencing the symptoms that we have described in this chapter, we strongly advise you to contact your personal health care physician and set an appointment with him or her at once.

Shift Work Sleep Disorder Treatment

It is very important for all individuals who work in shifts to give sleep the attention that it deserves. Actually, sleep should be made one of the top priorities. Individuals who work on shifts that are different from the regular 9-5 routine should be ready to sleep even if it is daylight outside. For this reason, it is important to keep the mind and body ready for sleep at all times. There are some tips and tricks that the patient who is suffering from Shift Work Sleep Disorder should follow, as they will gradually improve his or her life. First of all, it is important to wear dark glasses while going home after a night shift in order to prevent the morning light from lighting up your “daytime clock”. You should go to sleep as soon as possible after your shift finishes.

After a night shift you should ask all your friends and family to support you in keeping a peaceful and quiet setting during your natural sleep hours. If your friends and / or family want to watch TV, play on the computer or listen to some music, they should be encouraged to use headphones. Any loud activities should be avoided, as dish washing, vacuuming, and so on will affect the quality of your sleep. Some patients with Shift Work Sleep Disorder have chosen to install a “DND – Do Not Disturb” sign on the front door in order to prevent friends, family or delivery people from ringing at the doorbell or knocking.

Individuals who are suffering from this sleep medical condition should be encouraged to decrease their average number of night shifts, if possible. Furthermore, patients with Shift Work Sleep Disorder should avoid working various night shifts in a row. Studies have shown that workers on night shifts tend to sleep much less that those who are on a day shift. For this reason, several days in a row working night shifts will make you gradually more tired, sleep-deprived. Extended work hours should be avoided at all cost. No patient who is known to have a personal history of this clinical illness (Shift Work Sleep Disorder) should be allowed to work prolonged shifts. Any activities that “eat” parts of your sleeping time should be avoided – this includes long commutes.

All patients should make sure that they get enough sleep during their days off. All individuals who are suffering from this sleep disorder or who are prone to developing this clinical condition should become accustomed to practicing good sleep hygiene. Nicotine, alcohol and / or coffee should be avoided. A sleep schedule should be composed. In some cases, patients with Shift Work Sleep Disorder make a huge mistake as they tend to rely on the effects of various stimulants (especially non prescription medicines). Such products are only able to fool the organism into thinking that there is no problem with its sleep pattern and with its normal functioning. The prolonged use of such products may lead to the worsening of the patient’s initial symptoms. However, the use of some medicines (such as Nuvigil and / or Provigil) is recommended for patients who are suffering from Shift Work Sleep Disorder. Ask your physician for further information.