How to Deal with Shift Work Sleep Disorders

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If you are one of the millions of folks who frequently rotate their work shifts and are in effect working when their body wants to sleep, you may find that you feel more and more sleepy during your night work shifts and unable to sleep during the daytime although you may feel very tired. These symptoms of sleepiness and insomnia are a complaint called shift work sleep disorder, which can in addition, bring on several other health related problems such as regular headaches, having trouble focusing and no energy. Read on for some pointers on what you can do to ease the symptoms of SWSD.

The most obvious cure is to try to change your work schedule to hours that are more sociable. By working at night, you are confusing your body’s internal clock, termed the circadian rhythm, which regulates itself with the rising and setting of the sun to recognize when it is time to wake and sleep respectively. Shift work forces your body into an unnatural state of working when it should be asleep and sleeping when it would normally be awake. This is the reason that you feel sleepy during the night and then cannot fall asleep during the day although you are very tired. Consequently, if possible, it is in your best interests to have a chat with your work supervisor to see if shift changes can be made.

Here are some sleep strategies for shift workers that you may like to try. If you must work your shift, it is a good idea to keep away from caffeinated beverages while you are working, and particularly right before you go to sleep. Caffeine dries the airways, and might work as a stimulant for a while, but will cause you to feel even more tired and lethargic after the buzz wears off. This could cause sleep apnea syndrome in some individuals, not to mention excessive snoring. So, endeavor to drink fruit juices, or ask your physician about natural supplements you can take while you work.

Shift work sleep disorder may additionally mean that you are sleepy-eyed during the day, even if you use this time for relaxation before your work shift. If you have narcolepsy, which is believed to be caused by the brains inability to adjust to natural sleep wake cycles, you may notice that you are doing things without remembering, or having vivid dreams while you are not in sleep mode. Your body may also be in a slight state of paralysis when you are trying to awaken, which is an indicator that shift work sleep disorder may be your problem.

Keeping a record of your work schedules and rest patterns is normally adequate information for your physician to come to a proper diagnosis. Nevertheless, for on-going sleep issues or if an underlying sleep disorder is suspected, you may be asked to maintain a sleep diary in which you maintain a record of your sleeping habits. You should additionally attempt to maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on your days off or at weekends. If you consider they may be helpful, ask your physician about medications such as Ritalin or Melotonin. It is important that you do not try and self diagnose your problem as it may be something more than a shift work sleep disorder.

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How to Deal with Shift Work Sleep Disorders