Night-Shift Workers
Night-Shift Workers Are Prone to Sleep Disorders
For the 15 million Americans who work during hours other than the traditional
"9-to-5," getting enough quality sleep can be difficult. These
self-proclaimed "owls" are fighting their bodies' natural sleep
patterns - and losing.
Employees who work between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. are struggling
against their natural wake-sleep pattern. While some can "go against
the grain" better than others, night-shift workers typically get
about 10 hours less sleep a week than their day-shift co-workers and many
have undiagnosed sleep disorders that may ultimately catch up to them
and affect their health.
When sleep deprived, people think and move more slowly, make more mistakes,
and have difficulty remembering things. These negative effects lead to
lower job productivity and can cause accidents. The financial loss to
U.S. businesses is estimated at $18 billion each year.
The human body naturally follows a 24-hour cycle of wakefulness and sleepiness
that is regulated by an internal circadian clock that is linked to nature's
pattern of light and darkness. The clock regulates cycles in body temperature,
hormones, heart rate and other body functions. For humans, the desire
to sleep is strongest between midnight and 6 a.m. Many people are alert
in the morning, with a natural dip in alertness in the mid-afternoon.
It is difficult to reset the internal circadian clock.
You probably know people who are "morning larks" or "night
owls." However, night-shift workers get less sleep overall, often
are less productive and are more prone to a variety of medical issues.
Night-shift workers often experience more:
- Stomach problems, especially heartburn and indigestion
- Menstrual irregularities
- Colds
- Flu
- Weight gain
- Heart problems
- Blood pressure issues
In addition, the risk of workplace accidents and automobile crashes rises
for tired shift workers, especially on the drive to and from work.
Staying Awake on the Job
The lack of prolonged, quality sleep can take its toll on night-shift workers.
In fact, as many as 20 percent of night-shift workers report falling asleep
on the job, according to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation.
Experts have found that productivity for these workers is at a critical
low between 3 and 4 a.m., when the body's core temperature is at its lowest
point of the night.
Before reporting to work for the night shift, workers might benefit from
a nap prior to going to work and may find splitting their sleep time between
early morning and early evening will help maximize the number of hours
of sleep they are able to fit in. Shift workers should get plenty of bright
light after waking to ensure that they are adequately rested and alert
before clocking in. Keeping the bedroom dark and cool can help facilitate
sleep during daylight hours. Using blackout eyeshades and earplugs and
turning on a fan also can help drown out daytime sights and sounds. While
at work, bright light can help trick the body into thinking that it is
day time and will make staying awake and alert easier. At the end of the
night shift, workers should wear dark sunglasses when returning home to
help keep the brain at rest and enable workers to sleep once home.
If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder, the first step is to visit
your primary care physician, who will evaluate your condition and determine
whether it is necessary to schedule a sleep study. The overnight study
will be evaluated by a board-certified sleep medicine physician and shared
with your doctor. Depending on the diagnosis, a variety of treatments
is available to help patients feel better, have increased energy and benefit
from a healthy night's sleep.