In order to be diagnosed with shift work disorder, you need to have recurrent symptoms for at least three months. If you are unsure whether you suffer from the disorder, your doctor may suggest a sleep test. Insomnia or excessive sleepiness while awake are two common signs. Another symptom is genetic predisposition. However, you should not worry if you don’t have the symptoms. There are some easy steps you can take to avoid the disorder.
Insomnia
If you work in a profession that requires you to be awake during the day, you may be prone to shift work sleep disorder. Shift work can disrupt your sleep patterns, and external factors like bright sunlight and noise may interfere with your quality of sleep. You may also have family obligations that make it difficult to get a regular night’s rest. To avoid this condition, learn about the treatment options available to shift workers.
Patients with shift work disorder may also develop other comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety. An assessment of risk may include discussing the patient’s history of car accidents and near-accidents. Additionally, family members should be taught about the signs of comorbid disorders and encouraged to make lifestyle changes for their loved ones. The PA will likely be able to provide additional information about treatment options.
When you’re awake, you’re drowsy
If you find yourself feeling constantly tired, you might be experiencing symptoms of a shift work disorder. If this happens, you should seek medical help. While there are many treatments for shift work disorder, the best way to manage your condition is to improve your sleep hygiene. You can use blackout curtains and keep a regular sleep-wake schedule to get used to sleeping during the day. You can also try taking stimulant drugs like Waklert or Artvigil, which are approved for treating excessive sleepiness related to shift work disorder.
If you’re experiencing headaches while working, your health is at risk. While shift workers have an increased risk of injuries related to sleepiness, this condition can also affect their memory and ability to concentrate. Sleep-deprived people are more likely to make mistakes and have accidents at work. Additionally, shift workers have a greater risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems. A doctor can examine your lifestyle and determine if shift work disorder is the root cause of your symptoms.
Recurrent sleep loss
If you rotate frequently and are constantly on the move, you may often experience sleep deprivation. Shift work is a condition that disrupts your body’s natural sleep and wakefulness cycle, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia. You can take Artvigil, which eliminates excessive sleep during the day. People in these occupations have a higher risk of developing a shift work sleep disorder than other workers, as irregular working hours prevent them from getting regular sleep.
Symptoms of a shift work disorder may include frequent sleep deprivation, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping. However, the doctor will need to examine the health effects of shift work to determine the cause of your recurrent sleep deprivation. If your problem is so severe that you do not get enough rest, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you sleep. However, if the condition is mild, such as a few hours a day, you do not need any medication.
Genetic predisposition
Some patients suffer from sleep disruption associated with shift work disorder. These symptoms may include insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced sleep time, and overlaps between sleep and work periods. Several high-profile disasters have been linked to shift work-related fatigue, including the Chornobyl meltdown and the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Shift workers are especially at risk of developing SWSD, due to their sensitive nature to the sleep-wake cycle. Some individuals are naturally morning people, while others may be more sensitive to shift work than other types of shifts. If you tend to be morning-oriented, try moving shifts to the daytime. If you work nights, try to avoid night shifts. Shift workers may also be more prone to the disorder if they’re older or female. Visit allDayawake.com for more information.
