Insomnia, Depression and Anxiety: Symptoms of Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) results from constant shifting of a person's sleep pattern. Person's most likely to develop Shift Work Sleep Disorder are those who work night shifts that rotate frequently. The body has what is called a natural Circadian rhythm. The Circadian rhythm is an endogenously driven biochemical, physiological and behavioral process in the body that functions like a 24 hour clock controlling sleep, awakening, eating, elimination etc.

Shift Work Sleep Disorder is likely to occur when a person's sleep schedule is consistently disrupted by work hours. For an individual to receive the diagnosis of Shift Work Sleep Disorder there must be evidence of the individual experiencing a constant or recurring pattern of sleep disruptions that cause insomnia or excessive sleepiness. Person's who commonly work between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. are the most likely to develop the disorder. It is also most likely to develop in people who have a pattern of frequently rotating work shifts such working a week on the day shift and then working a week on the night shift.

Insomnia, Depression and Anxiety: Symptoms of Shift Work Sleep Disorder

There are several common symptoms associated with Shift Work Sleep Disorder including: 1) insomnia, 2) excessive sleepiness, 3) concentration difficulties, 4) recurring headaches and 5) low energy level. It is important to note, not everyone who works night shifts and even rotated shifts is going to acquire Shift Work Sleep Disorder. But if you do experience these symptoms, it is important to contact a physician.

Insomnia, Depression and Anxiety: Consequences of Shift Work Sleep Disorder

There are several kinds of consequences that occur if you have Shift Work Sleep Disorder. One of these is an increase in the potential for having accidents while on the job. Shift Work Sleep Disorder can also cause an individual to have an increase in work-related errors associated with impaired problem solving, motor reflexes and movements. The incidence of sick leave increases when an individual is suffering from Shift Work Sleep Disorder. One last consequence of Shift Work Sleep Disorder is the potential for irritability and mood problems.

Insomnia, Depression and Anxiety: Dealing with Shift Work Sleep Disorder

The most effective strategy for dealing with Shift Work Sleep Disorder is to make a commitment to let sleep be your priority when not at work. When you work the night shift and sleep during the daylight hours, you may have to get your mind and body ready for sleep by relaxing when you get home and minimizing your exposure to sunlight on the way home. Morning sunlight will activate your internal Circadian clock. So, wearing dark sunglasses on the way home will help.

Develop a sleep ritual such as drinking a warm cup of milk or decaf tea or coffee before going to bed. Hang curtains or drapes in the bedroom that eliminate as much light as possible.

Develop a going to bed routine and schedule and stick to it.

Enlist the help of family members by asking them to wear headsets when listening to music or television and to do loud housecleaning shores in the evening when you are at work.

Put a do not disturb sign on your front door so friends and visitors know they are not to disturb you by knocking or ringing the doorbell.

Decrease the amount of night shifts you work in a row and do not work overtime on night shifts.

The best "medicine" for decreasing the affects of Shift Work Sleep Disorder is to get plenty of sleep when you are off-shift. and making getting enough sleep the number one priority when your shift is over.

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