Everything You Need to Know About Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD)
What is Shift Work Sleep Disorder?
Shift Work Sleep Disorder is a form of circadian rhythm sleep disorder in which your sleep-wake cycle is disrupted.
This man-made problem has affected especially people who are on shiftwork, such as early-morning shifts (e.g. starting at 4 am in the morning), night and evening shifts (e.g night owl) or rotational shifts.
It basically means you are working when you supposed to be sleep and you are trying to go to sleep when you should be awake.
Due to the modern-day work settings, jobs such as firefighters, police officers, medical staff are forced to sleep and wake up at times when our biological clocks are out of sync with our surroundings and recovering from a lack of sleep is always cumbersome.
Protecting the health of those who work in this field has become a major health challenge around the world and the question here is the extra pay which is paid for shiftwork worth the side effect and consequences which comes with this disorder?
It is important to understand that not everyone who works evenings or early morning has Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) as many could adjust with their routine.
It is estimated around 20% of American are living with this issue and the number has been on rise with our modern way of life.
People with this condition can have various short term and long term side effect and must be treated to avoid more serious consequences.
These issues doesn’t only stops on medical problem but it can lead to personal level including family conflicts as well as work performance issues.
Treatment plan is imperative which should start with a medical advice of ways to control and treat your issue once you notice some of the symptoms arises to help to put it under control.
In this post you will find further details about what are the symptoms, how diagnose and steps you can take to treat this disorder.
What are the Symptoms and Risks of Shift Work Sleep Disorder?
The symptoms of Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) can last as long as the person didn’t change the routine of the shift is working.
This can affect the person lifestyle, health as well affects his family and friends relationship.
This disorder will start with short term symptoms and can lead to long term (chronic) symptoms which make it vital to take necessary action before it’s too late.
Once an action is taken to control Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD), the symptoms isn’t guaranteed it will go away as some people still experience sleeping problems after changing their shiftwork.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start a treatment plan as in many benefitted from various treatments.
Below are various symptoms and risk which is known at this time.
Short-Term Health Symptoms
An irregular or a non-standard shiftwork main symptoms starts with excessive sleep and insomnia at non-standard time.
This includes people might be sleeping at their job as well as a reduction in their sleep quality and duration.
When body natural clock is impacted it desires to nap, reduced performance, fatigue and higher risk of accident.
Below are some of the symptoms:
Long-Term Health Symptoms
It is important to check with a medical expert for diagnosis and treatment once you started noticing any of the above short term symptoms.
Not taking action can lead to a more serious long-term (chronic) symptoms which will be much harder or not possible to revert or treat and will lead to higher level of mortality.
Some of these long-term symptoms are:
- Increase risk of cardiovascular disease
- Cancer
- Depression
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Serious gastrointestinal problems
- Weaker Immune system (higher chances of getting sick)
- Menstrual irregularity and fertility problems
Personal and Lifestyle Effect
In addition to the above health symptoms a person can be effected with his/her personal life which can increase problems between partners and their kids.
This includes higher level of domestic violence and increase likelihood of divorce.
Due to the nature of shiftwork, this might result to further a distance between friends as the time others are hanging out the person is working.
This might lead to isolation and felt that you are living in your own bubble which can lead to other medical conditions.
As it is more likely the sleep quality of a person diminishes dramatically on abnormal shiftwork which makes their circadian rhythm challenging.
As the sleep quality is affected the person can be less productive at work and might put his job at jeopardy!.
It can increases arguments between other colleagues at work and cause unnecessary conflicts.
Lack of sleep can as well increase the likelihood of work incidents and more prone to road accidents.
Other poor habits and addiction which is known is developed by eating unhealthy food includes lots of junk and fast food while the person is on shift due to the fact most places are closed and wouldn’t be easy to get a meal or simply the person skips meals, drinks too much caffeine, smokes and drinks alcohol or even drug addiction.
All these known symptoms and risks varies from person to person which is important to seek help and diagnose as early as possible.
How to be diagnosed with Shift Work Sleep Disorder?
The most effective way to know if you have a shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is by visiting a medical expert within this field.
You can ask your GP to provide you with a reference letter to see a specialist which your doctor will use different method to ensure if you really have this disorder.
Various practices are used as part of your diagnosis which includes:
- Sleep Journal: a sleep journal is basically a way to keep track of your sleeping hours of what time you went to bed and what time you woke up. This will help the specialist to determine your sleep pattern and how you are adjusting with your shiftwork.
- Sleep Study: In some instances a sleep study will be performed which is done in a clinic overnight when you are sleep. It is a test which measure how quickly you fall asleep. This will assist the sleep specialist to exclude other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
- Actigraphy: It is a device you wear on your wrist that just like a watch. This helps the doctor to measure your movement throughout the day (day and night) which will help the doctor to know when you are awake and when you are asleep.
How is Shift Work Sleep Disorder Treated?
There are two ways to treat SWSD: medical and non-medical treatment.
Non-Medical Treatment
The various forms of non-medical treatments which includes melatonin, light therapy, caffeine and many others. Below are more details on each option:-
- Melatonin is a hormone produced by our bodies that is responsible for keeping our sleep cycle on track. Certain supplements and medications are available in pharmacies that replicate this hormone and aid in sleep improvement. However, do not take this medication in large quantities without first consulting your doctor, as excessive use can lead to an increase in sleep problems.
- Light therapy can help you stay awake and alert. All you have to do is sit next to a lightbox for a set amount of time that your doctor will prescribe. This therapy gradually shifts your sleep cycle to the times you prefer.
- Limit caffeine intake – Take only at least 200 mg of caffeine as you wake up and you’ll be good to start your day with full concentration and alertness.
- Apart from these, you can improve your sleep cycle by practicing good sleep hygiene, healthy diet, and improving your sleeping environment, such as sleeping in a well-ventilated room.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment comes into play when non-medical treatment doesn’t relieve the symptoms.
Numerous medicines help you in staying alert or in having good sleep.
The major ones that assist in reducing sleepiness include modafinil and armodafinil, whereas, the ones, that support sleep include benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, and specific antidepressants.
Bottom Line
In a fast paced, modern technology that we have, the changing lifestyle, and the demand of luxury – We oftentimes neglect paying attention to our health.
Improving sleep quality may sound not easy to people who work in an erratic schedule, however, starting now to make little changes by changing to a healthy lifestyle can make a big difference.
And always, seek medical attention if you believe it is already interfering with your daily routine.
Please leave a comment below, and check out our other sleep disorder articles.
