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Shift work sleep disorder is caused by a disruption of the body’s natural circadian rhythms, making it difficult for individuals who work non-day hours to get restful sleep. Night shift workers are more likely to experience sleep disturbance, with nurses and law enforcement being particularly prone to the disorder. Some people can adapt to working nights, but those who work a combination of day and night shifts are at higher risk. Sleeping medications may be necessary to get sound sleep.
Shift work sleep disorder is a condition in which an individual who works non-day hours has difficulty getting restful sleep. The main cause of this type of disorder is a disruption of the body’s natural circadian rhythms, making it difficult for the individual to rest adequately. Along with people who usually work night shifts, people who frequently change their work schedule between day and night can also experience these types of sleep problems.
Many studies that focus on the role of sleep in general find that humans tend to achieve restful sleep more easily when work schedules are set for daylight hours. People who work what is sometimes referred to as second-shift shifts or afternoon shifts that finish at ten or eleven in the evening are also more likely to sleep soundly and wake up refreshed than those who work nights. Depending on the study consulted, night shift workers are two to ten times more likely to experience sleep disturbance while working shifts than people working any other schedule.
It is important to note that not everyone who works nights will experience shift work sleep disorder. Many people who work five consecutive nights of evening shifts a week tend to adapt to the situation and find it easier to develop a routine that allows them to sleep soundly during the day. However, night workers who may be scheduled for two nights in a row and then have a night or two off often find it much more difficult to adjust and are more at risk of developing this type of sleep disorder.
Two professions that are particularly prone to shift work sleep disorder are nurses and law enforcement. Nurses assigned to a night shift often work twelve-hour shifts and may work two to three consecutive nights, then be off schedule for two or three nights. Unless the nurse tries to maintain the same sleep pattern on her days off as well, there is a good chance that at some point she will find it difficult to avoid developing insomnia, necessitating sleeping medications. at all.
Similarly, police officers who sometimes work swinging shift situations are much more prone to shift work sleep disorder. This is especially true for officers who may work a combination of days and nights during the week. Since the work schedule is in a constant state of flux, it is very difficult for the body to adjust and promote restful sleep. As a result, the officer may feel drowsy even after several hours of sleep. As with the nurse, a police officer may find it necessary to use prescription medications to get sound sleep.
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