Shift Work Sleep Disorder - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) affects people who work multiple shifts or work especially nights. Insomnia and excessive sleepiness are considered common symptoms of SWSD. When a person works in different shifts, this work schedule affects their internal body clock or circadian rhythm. In this situation, the whole schedule of a person's sleep-wake gets disturbed and his whole routine gets affected. 10 to 40 percent of people can be affected by this.

You can know how to treat sleep disorders by clicking on the link given here.

Today in this article, you will know in detail about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of shift work sleep disorder -

(Read More - Chronic Insomnia Treatment)

Shift work sleep disorder Symptoms
Shift work sleep disorder causes
Shift work sleep disorder treatment
- Improve lifestyle
- Prescription drugs
Takeaway

Doctors for Shift Work Sleep Disorder - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Shift work sleep disorder Symptoms

SWSD is a chronic or long-term condition. Some people can be badly affected by this working schedule. Its symptoms often affect daily life. In this condition, the following symptoms should not be ignored at all -

Difficulty sleeping
Sleep more
Difficulty concentrating
Headache
Lack of energy
Not feeling fresh
To be lazy
Anxiety and depression
Lack of sleep
Irritability

For people who are facing shift work sleep disorder for a long time, their symptoms can worsen and can lead to many serious diseases. This disorder can seriously affect heart health and digestive function. Apart from this, it can also increase the risk of cancer.

If an elderly man or woman works the night shift, then there can be a serious lack of sleep in them. Therefore, the symptoms of SWSD should never be taken lightly.

(Read More - Primary Insomnia Treatment)

Shift work sleep disorder causes

The main cause of shift work sleep disorder is working non-traditional hours. You can understand it like this -

Working evening shift
Working the night shift
Working rotating shifts
Working the early morning shift

People who work these shifts may show symptoms of shift work sleep disorder. These working shift schedules are known to cause shift work sleep disorder. On the contrary, in people who work the shift of 9 in the morning and 5 in the evening, this problem is not seen in them.

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Shift work sleep disorder treatment

Shift work sleep disorder can be treated by making lifestyle changes and through medicines prescribed by the doctor. If one is seeing the symptoms of SWSD in the beginning, then there is a need to make lifestyle changes. On the other hand, if the symptoms become severe after this, then the help of medicines can be taken. The treatment of shift work sleep disorder is as follows -

Improve lifestyle

If employees are unable to change their working hours, lifestyle modifications can reduce the effects of SWSD. Making lifestyle changes can help in overcoming sleepiness and fatigue.

Take at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day. Even if you are working in shifts, make your sleep a priority.
For good sleep, stop looking at the phone, TV, or laptop an hour before sleeping.
Noise disturbs a lot during the day, due to which there is no proper sleep. In such a situation, you can use a white noise machine or earplugs to reduce the noise.
Try to complete your sleep during the holidays.
If possible, take 48 hours off after multiple shifts.
Wear sunglasses to avoid sunlight. This will give you good sleep.
Limit caffeine intake four hours before bedtime.
Take a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Keep peace in the room where you are sleeping and avoid using light colors.
If possible, avoid long journeys. This may reduce your sleeping hours and lead to a lack of sleep.

(Read More - Causes of Insomnia in Females)

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Prescription drugs

Symptoms of SWSD are rarely seen in people who keep the lifestyle right. Yet when working non-traditional hours, sleep is bound to get affected. Because of this, the symptoms of shift work sleep disorder start appearing. When the symptoms of SWSD last for a long time and start affecting the health, then the doctor may recommend some medicines.

Melatonin - Melatonin is a hormone, which is necessary for sleep. Melatonin in the body increases during the night due to which sleep is good. At the same time, its level starts decreasing in the morning, due to which the person wakes up. But when a person works overnight shifts, then he needs morning sleep. In such a situation, if someone is not able to sleep in the morning, then he can take melatonin supplements. Melatonin is an over-the-counter medicine, which is considered completely safe.
Hypnotics and sedatives - A combination of hypnotics and sedatives can treat shift work sleep disorder. These include zolpidem and eszopiclone. In case of sleep problems, these medicines should be taken only on the advice of the doctor.
Modafinil - Modafinil can also treat shift work sleep disorder. Modafinil can improve sleep. Along with this, it can also help in concentrating.
Bright Light Therapy - Bright light therapy is a natural type of light, which is used during the day. It can help the body's circadian rhythm manage the hours of sleep and wakefulness.

(Read More - How to fall asleep)

Takeaway

Shift work sleep disorder is a problem related to sleep. This is seen in people who work night shifts or non-traditional hours. Working in these shifts affects a person's sleep and gradually its symptoms increase. If you work the night shift and have trouble sleeping in the morning, then visit a doctor once and maintain your lifestyle as well.