One of the many sleeping disorders treated by Glacier Headache & Sleep Medicine is shift work disorder. Named after the type of work schedule that exists outside of the 9-5 realm, shift work disorder frequently affects people in fields such as food service, health care, law enforcement, and other fields that require around-the-clock labor. While some people adapt without many adverse side effects, those with shift work disorder often struggle to meet demands.

If you suspect shift work disorder is affecting you or a loved one, read on to learn more about its symptoms and treatment.

Symptoms

• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS): Shift work disorder affects a person’s circadian rhythm, making them unusually sleepy during the day. EDS may also increase their risk of on-the-job accidents.

• Insomnia: In addition to feeling tired during the day, shift work disorder also prevents sufferers from getting to sleep in a timely manner.

• Social Isolation & Mood Disorders: The physical effects of this condition often lead to emotional disorders. For instance, night shift employees often become depressed or struggle to connect with friends and loved ones because of their schedule.

• Poor Diet: Because of their irregular hours, many people with shift work disorder end up eating low-quality food too often, and may be too tired to cook.

• Low Quality of Life: People with shift work disorder may have a general feeling of ill health, as well as an increased predisposition towards weight gain, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and viral infections.

Treatment

Shift work disorder is challenging to overcome, but doctors recommend combating it from many different angles.  Many recommend getting plenty of exercise to tire you out at bed time, a healthy diet to improve your mood and general well-being, and melatonin to “reboot” your circadian rhythm. They will also recommend avoiding alcohol and caffeine, avoiding digital devices at bedtime, and taking other steps to ensure your sleep is restful and uninterrupted. There are other available treatments as well, which you can learn about by talking to your sleep doctor.

If you frequently struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, Glacier Headache & Sleep Medicine will be glad to help. Give the Kalispell, MT-based facility a call at (406) 752-1729 to set up an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about sleep disorders they treat.