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Shift Work Sleep Disorder becomes more and more widespread

Written by: David Castillo on May 12th, 2010

Shift Work Sleep Disorder becomes more and more widespread | read this item

Around 30 percent of employees work during non-traditional shifts, putting them at the risk of having Shift Work Sleep Disorder. Experts link this disorder to several health complications, including obesity, heart problems, and digestive disorders. It is even a common cause of accidents.

“Shift work causes confusion in your brain. Your body is set on a 24 hour rhythm, and what sets that rhythm is light, and during the dark cycle your body is resting,” explained Dr. Howard Leaman, who works for the Intermountain Sleep Disorders.
Dr. Leaman says that during your rest period, the body produces hormones that are needed for recovery. During day time, on the other hand, the body produces a different set of hormones to allow you to manage encountered stress. And switching the two causes a physiological confusion.

He explained: “If you switch the cycles, the hormones that you need to maintain functioning are way low and you can’t respond to the demands of work.”

Dr. Leaman gave tips on how to stay alert during overnight working hours. He advises the following: (1) avoid long commutes (2) work with others (3) be active during breaks (4) drink caffeine and (5) execute easy tasks during the start of your shift and perform the harder ones at the end of your shift.

He says that when the shift ends, try to avoid the sun. He explains: “You need to shield yourself from the sun. Put on sunglasses, put on a hat with a brim and go to a dark place and sleep.”

Source: ABC4.com