People who work graveyard hours, split shifts, early morning shifts, or rotational shifts may disturb the sleep of people with irregular work patterns (Shift Work Sleep Disorder). Fatigue, a lack of drive to sleep, and daytime sleepiness are the most obvious symptoms. These symptoms may substantially influence a person’s career and personal life.

SWSD Has A Multitude of Symptoms

Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is a sleep disorder that affects people who work non-traditional hours, such as night shifts or rotating shifts. The main symptoms of SWSD include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms may include fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and reduced work performance. SWSD can also increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It is important for individuals with SWSD to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific needs.

Being Unable to Sleep

Even if you’re fatigued, falling asleep may be more difficult if you force yourself to go to bed two or three hours later than normal. It is hard to see oneself as someone who can fall asleep at any time. The recommended nightly amount of sleep is eight hours. Even when the temperature of the room is optimal and your bed is pretty comfy, you are unable to fall asleep.

If you are unable to identify the source of your nighttime tossing and turning, it may be time to visit your physician or a sleep expert.

Gastrointestinal Issues

A more liquid stomach results from the digestive tract entering a “neutral” condition at night, which increases the likelihood of constipation and diarrhea in night owls. Working irregular hours has the added drawback of altering your circadian cycle. The brain’s control over digestive fluids and enzymes may be compromised. Heartburn, Peptic ulcers are frequent among shift workers because the amount of stomach acid varies for 24 hours.

Memory & Concentration

You could find concentrating more challenging because of the shift in your sleep cycle. You couldn’t concentrate, so even things you used to enjoy became boring. Increased sleepiness, hallucinations, and brain fog are possible side effects. Consequently, your personal and professional lives can be significantly changed. Your relationships may suffer if you achieve your professional goals. You must see a doctor to assess your symptoms before returning to normal health.

Mood Swings

We are very angry and frustrated because we are too tired to pay attention. We often have less optimism when things are going well than when they are not. The personalities of shift workers, who often lack sleep, may change over time. Depressive symptoms have been shown to worsen when people don’t get enough sleep. Also possible are unforeseen outcomes. Your mood, as well as the quantity and quality of sleep you get, may be impacted by sleep deprivation. Studies have shown a link between a lack of sleep, an increase in negative emotions, and a decrease in positive emotions. Sleep problems are typical signs of anxiety and despair.

Inability to Focus on Tasks

Regardless of how much sleep you got the night before, you might feel drained and unfocused when you get to work if you have trouble sleeping while working. Melatonin synthesis increases in the evening, which may lead to sleepiness. Lack of sleep may make you feel tired. Sleeping alone won’t be sufficient. You could feel more rested when you wake up if you do it during the REM period of sleep, the deepest sleep cycle during which the brain’s cognitive functions are momentarily blocked. Your body and mind will get worn out if you don’t get enough rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Treatments For SWSD

Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is a type of sleep disorder that affects people who work non-traditional hours, such as night shifts or rotating shifts. The most effective treatments for SWSD include managing the sleep environment, such as using dark curtains or earplugs to block out noise and light, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

Additionally, melatonin supplements may help regulate sleep patterns, and prescription medications such as modafinil and armodafinil can improve alertness and reduce daytime sleepiness. Cognitive behavioral therapy and bright light therapy have also effectively treated SWSD. Individuals with SWSD need to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Counseling, environmental and lifestyle adjustments, medicine, and further therapies may achieve a more peaceful night’s sleep. Sometimes people need medical care for an illness that hasn’t yet shown any symptoms.

Strategies for reducing tension

Meditation, breathing exercises, guided imagery, and mindfulness training are all used in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques to reduce stress. The usage of audiobooks and applications connected to sleep is advantageous.

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This method could help pinpoint the underlying ideas and preconceptions preventing you from falling asleep.

Over the Counter Medicines

There are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can potentially help improve sleep quality and manage symptoms of Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD). These include:

Melatonin supplements: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, and taking melatonin supplements before bedtime can help shift workers fall asleep and stay asleep.
Valerian root supplements: Valerian root is an herbal supplement that is sometimes used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Chamomile tea: Chamomile is a natural sleep aid that can be consumed as a tea before bedtime to help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

It is important to note that while these OTC remedies may be helpful for some people, they may not be effective for everyone with SWSD. It is also important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any OTC medication, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions. A healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.

Video: Consequences of Shift Work

Health Care Professionals That Can Treat SWSD

Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) can be treated by primary care doctors, sleep medicine specialists, and psychiatrists, among other medical professionals. In some cases, occupational health providers or employers may also be involved in managing SWSD. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional with experience in treating sleep disorders to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for individual needs. This may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and other therapies to improve sleep quality and manage symptoms of SWSD.