Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is a sleeping condition that is considered acircadian rhythm disorder.
Learn how to tell the difference between SWSD and normal work fatigue.
This results in a conflict in the normal waking/sleeping hours.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The condition results in a feeling offatigue, and eventually, exhaustion.
Its important to note that not everyone who works a night shift has a shift work sleep disorder.
Many people can adjust to the new sleep schedule within the first few weeks.
Early morning risers find it easier to adjust to shifts that begin before sunrise.
But overnight or rotating shifts cause a problem for many people.
However, some people continue experiencing sleeping problems even after changing their work hours.
Microsleeps and Excessive Sleepiness
According to the National Sleep Foundation, many shift workers experience something calledmicrosleeps.
Microsleeps can result in dangerous accidents or mishaps if a person is driving or while on the job.
Causes
The cause of shift work sleep disorder may include:
What Are Circadian Rhythms?
One way the body regulates its waking/sleeping cycles is by producing a hormone called melatonin.
The suns natural light is utilized to determine when and how much melatonin is produced.
During SWSD, melatonin production oftentimes happens when a person needs to be awake and alert on the job.
This may inhibit sleep.
The diagnosis is usually made by a persons self-report of sleep habits in addition tosleep studytests.
The diagnosing healthcare provider may ask patients to record their sleep hours in a sleep diary.
Questions about medical history and current medical problems may also be part of the diagnostic assessment.
The sleep study is conducted overnight in a clinic while the patient sleeps.
Treatment
There are several approaches to the treatment of SWSD.
Be sure to discuss what is best for your individual case with your practitioner or healthcare professional.
Sleep medications can also cause serious side effects (such as parasomnias).
Parasomnias involve actions during sleep in which a person has no control, such as sleepwalking.
Therefore, this jot down of medication is best if used during a short time span.
Sleep Education staff.Shift Work-Symptoms & Risks.Sleep Education.org.
The National Sleep Foundation staff.Shift Work Disorder.National Sleep Foundation.
