Shift work sleeping disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder that causes sleep deprivation as a result of doing shift work. It's not uncommon for people to experience sleep problems when they work work irregular, long, or night shifts. When this happens, it is called shift work sleep disorder.
Not everyone who works outside of the typical M-F, 9-5 shift develops this disorder, but it should especially be considered for people living Alaska, given the relatively high number of shift work occupations here.
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:
While shift work often pays better than non-shift work, it can come at the cost of healthy sleep, and shift workers should be especially diligent in building good sleep schedules.
Shift work sleep disorder causes sleep deprivation, and the main symptoms of shift work sleep disorder are consistent with the symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation:
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:
Sleep deprivation comes with some major safety concerns in high risk industries such as fishing and aviation. This is because fatigue from sleep deprivation dramatically impacts decision making and reaction times. For example, driving home after a 24 hour shift poses similar safety issues as drunk driving.
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 healthy 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 SWD, please consult with one of our sleep specialists.