Shift Work Disorder

Shift Work Disorder

Sleep Center at Comprehensive treats Shift Work Disorder.

Shift work disorder is also considered a circadian rhythm sleep disorder which causes excessive sleepiness for certain people with irregular work schedules. Irregular work schedules may include night shifts, rotating shifts, or early morning shifts.

Someone with this disorder is subject to chronic sleep deprivation, causing serious health issues that impact daily life.

Signs and Symptoms

Shift work disorder can be identified by the following:

  • Excessive sleepiness when you need to be awake, alert, and productive
  • Insomnia, or the inability to sleep when you need to
  • Trouble falling asleep, or waking up before you’ve slept sufficiently
  • Sleep that feels unrefreshing or insufficient
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Lack of energy
  • Irritability or depression
  • Difficulty with personal relationships

Treatment Options

It is important to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. For people who work an irregular schedule, sleep must become a priority and you must establish certain routines to get proper rest. This can be done in the following ways:

  • Minimize exposure to light in the home when trying to sleep
  • Keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends and days off from work
  • Create a quiet and peaceful environment during sleep time
  • Place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the front door when sleeping
  • If possible, decrease the number of night shifts worked in a row.
  • If possible, try taking more than 48 hours off after a strong of night shifts
  • Avoid extended work hours or overtime
  • Avoid frequently rotating shifts

If you or a loved one suffers from this disorder, contact Sleep Center at Comprehensive today to schedule a sleep study, so we can help you identify an appropriate treatment plan.

About Sleep Center at Comprehensive

The Sleep Center at Comprehensive, a division of Comprehensive Cancer Centers and Lung Center of Nevada, provides patients with sleep disorders with a wide range of treatment options for those in Southern Nevada and beyond.