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The term “shift work” refers to any work schedule that falls outside the hours of 7 am and 6 pm . While any shift worker can develop symptoms , the disorder primarily affects employees with night, early morning, or rotating shifts. If untreated, shift work disorder can lead to major health concerns.
Shift work disorder specifically relates to circadian misalignment related to a work schedule that overlaps with a traditional sleep-wake cycle. Insomnia, excessive sleepiness while awake, and recurring sleep loss are the defining symptoms of shift work disorder.
Successfully adapting to shift work requires coaching the body to sleep at times that may feel unnatural. Many shift workers find they can minimize the symptoms of shift work disorder using a combination of medication, bright light therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
If sleep log reports and actigraphy tests indicate a disturbed sleep and wake pattern, then the patient may receive a shift work disorder diagnosis. Alternatively, additional tests may be needed to determine whether the patient has another condition that is causing their symptoms.
People with shift work disorder struggle to get enough sleep and stay alert on the job. Our guide includes expert tips for coping with shift work disorder.
While some employees enjoy working at night and prefer a non-traditional schedule, shift work does carry certain drawbacks. People who work night, early morning, or rotational shifts are at higher risk of developing shift work disorder and other sleep problems.
Do you manage employees who work a shift work schedule? Read our guide to learn about the needs of shift workers and how to avoid sleep at the workplace.
Over time these employees may develop shift work disorder, a condition characterized by insomnia symptoms when they attempt to sleep and excessive tiredness while they are at work. Shift work disorder not only causes cognitive impairments and physical complications but also affects occupational performance and makes workers more prone to errors ...
If you try sleep hygiene strategies and still have trouble getting the sleep you need and staying alert at work, you may have a condition called shift work disorder. Talk to your doctor about additional steps you can take to ensure that you remain safe, healthy, and well-rested as a night shift worker.
For the millions of shift workers who struggle to feel rested, these new guidelines offer practical steps for improving sleep and reducing the risks of sleep loss. They also underline the importance of personalized sleep strategies for those clocking in while the rest of the world clocks out.