Shift Work Sleep Disorder

What is Shift Work Sleep Disorder?

Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) is a widely observed sleep disorder that affects individuals who are required to work non-standard shift schedules, including rotating shifts, evening shifts, and night shifts. It is challenging to get restorative sleep during daylight hours because irregular work schedules interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Despite allocating adequate time for sleep, individuals with SWSD experience challenges with initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, and awakening with a sense of revitalization.  Managing SWSD involves combination of lifestyle modifications. It includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting stimulants before bedtime and seeking healthcare professionals. People with SWSD can improve their sleep quality and overall health and reduce the harmful impacts of shift work on their health by addressing the underlying causes and employing appropriate sleep techniques. 

Causes of Shift Work Sleep Disorder:

Shift work disorder, like other sleep disorders, occurs when the body does not receive adequate uninterrupted quality sleep on a regular basis. There are several factors that contribute to the development of this condition, which are as follows:

• Circadian rhythm disruption 

There is an internal clock in the body called the circadian rhythm that controls the sleep-wake cycle. However, during these non working traditional hours, this rhythm got disturbed and confused the body’s natural signals for wakefulness and sleep.

• Exposure to artificial light:

Most of the time, the lack of light makes the patient’s body make more melatonin, a hormone that helps people sleep. People who work shifts, especially at night, are exposed to artificial light at night, which stops the production of melatonin and makes it hard to fall asleep.

• Demands for alertness:

Many night shift workers demand persistent attentiveness during sleeping hours. This continuous effort can result in sleep deprivation. 

• Individual factors:

Certain factors, including age, genetics, underlying health issues, and lifestyle behaviors, can hasten the development of SWSD more than others.   

Signs and symptoms of shift work sleep disorder:

Here are some of the common symptoms of this disorder, which are mentioned below:

• Insomina:

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep for long periods of time, which results in unrefreshing sleep. 

• Disrupting sleep patterns: 

Sleeping at irregular hours can disrupt the normal circadian rhythm and cause inconsistent durations throughout the week.

• Gastrointestinal problems:

Sleep disorders related to shift work can lead to stomach problems like heartburn, indigestion, and constipation. 

• Mood shifts and decreased alertness: 

People with SWSD frequently experience irritability, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, being less aware increases the chance of accidents and injuries at work.  

How to Treat Shift Work Sleep Disorder:

Treatment of this condition involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, behavioural therapies and medications. Here are some approaches:

• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule:

Individuals should maintain a consistent sleep schedule and they should follow the same even on weekends to regulate the patient’s internal clock.

• Building a positive environment:

One should make the surrounding atmosphere quiet, dark and comfortable to promote better sleep.

• Controlling light exposure and stimulant use:

Patients should avoid caffeine and other electronic gadgets before bedtime, since these can interfere with sleep quality.

• Use of medications:

A doctor will often suggest medicines like eszopiclone and zolpidem. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also approved modafinil, which goes by the brand name Provigil and has a low risk of abuse.   In conclusion, shift work sleep disorder can dramatically impair productivity and quality of life. Understanding SWSD’s causes, symptoms, and treatments helps people manage their disease and improve their health.