Shift work sleeping disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder that causes sleep deprivation as a result of doing shift work. Not everyone who works outside of the typical M-F, 9-5 shift develops this disorder, but sleep problems among people who work irregular, long, or night shifts have a higher likelihood than those who don't.
Shift work sleep disorder causes sleep deprivation, and the main symptoms of shift work sleep disorder are consistent with the symptoms of sleep deprivation:
Risks of sleep deprivation are centered around:
Shift workers fulfill any of the following requirements:
Alaska is particularly ripe with shift work because of our two distinct seasons, extreme lighting conditions, and infrastructure. Common shift working occupations in Alaska includes:
Other shift working occupations that are common everywhere include:
Shift work can be beneficial for several reasons. Generally shift work pays better that similar jobs at typical schedules. You also have the ability to have stretches of time with no work. Of course, shift work can come at the cost of healthy sleep, and shift workers should be especially diligent in building good sleep schedules.
Shift workers who experience shift work sleep disorder are at increased risk for a variety of chronic illnesses due to sleep deprivation, such as [National Sleep Foundation]:
There are also psychological concerns with shift work, such as:
Shift workers are also more prone to developing other sleeping disorders such as:
Finally, sleep deprivation and fatigue are major safety concerns – especially in high risk industries that are common in Alaska, such as fishing and the aviation industry. This is because fatigue dramatically impacts decision making and reaction times. For example, driving home after a 24 hour shift poses similar safety concerns as if you were driving drunk.
Improving or preventing shift work sleep disorder can be especially challenging, and it usually entails that you set hard boundaries with yourself and/or your employer:
Having a sleep schedule and sleep routine is of particular importance, as are exercise and health diet/drinking habits. One of the major challenges in dealing with this disorder are:
For example, binge sleeping is a common problem for people who have this disorder. While it feels good temporarily, it actually tends to perpetuate the sleep deprivation cycle and does not combat sleep deprivation. Consistent, healthy sleep patterns are the best way to improve shift work sleep disorder.
If you are a shift worker in Alaska and are concerned you have SWSD, please consult with one of our sleep specialists.