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Shift work disorders are on the rise

Written by: David Castillo on March 11th, 2010

Shift work disorders are on the rise | read this item

To make ends meet, some Americans juggle two jobs—different day shifts and night shifts. This results in many Americans losing sleep.

However, research suggests that losing sleep can lead to memory problems, depression, cardiovascular complications, and even cancer.

“In the last couple of years, I’ve seen more overworked patients taking on extra shifts or second jobs,” explained Dr. Ramon Malhotra, an assistant professor of neurology and director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Saint Louis University. “For someone who is suffering from work-related sleep issues, changing jobs isn’t always an option. Instead, we’ve got to offer solutions to make the best of the current situation.”

Dr. Malhotra even offered sleep advice for people who lose sleep because they work on two shifts.

He suggested that these individuals optimize the lighting of their bed rooms by reducing light sources. And he also suggested that the windows be closed, because sunlight exposure after a night shift can confuse the brain.

He also advised: “Wear sunglasses on the way home from work. And, conversely, before work, spend time in a well-lit room.”

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