Working night shifts is extremely difficult because it conflicts with your circadian rhythm. This misalignment means that you have to fight against the body’s natural clock to stay alert and high-functioning. Sleep can only remedy the misalignment; it won’t solve the root cause of your circadian rhythm disorder. Here are the five major effects of night shift work on the human body:
Symptoms of Shift Work Disorder
Symptoms of night shift work disorder are associated with less sleep and wakefulness. They last more than 3 months and can interfere with your ability to function socially and during waking hours. You will probably gain significant weight in a short period of time and will be lethargic throughout the day. The condition can be diagnosed using sleep diaries and activation monitoring. Fortunately, treatments for this condition are available.
Many people affected by night shift work disorder have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. The exact symptoms depend on the type of shift the person is performing, but the signals are similar to those of jet lag and adjusting to a new schedule after having a baby. Affected people do not feel sad but refreshed when they wake up in the morning. They may also experience fatigue, low alertness, and a need for sleep. These defects can compromise their efficiency, putting them at risk of accidents and injuries. If you experience nighttime sleepiness and sleep problems, you can take a Modalert that will help you stay awake while working.
Sleep deprivation
Night shift work affects circadian rhythms and can result in the following disorders in the body: sleepiness, excessive sleepiness, insomnia, and an increased risk of substance use. This shift in sleep patterns can disrupt waking functioning, reduce total sleep time, and overlap work and sleep hours. Symptomatic relief is available through medication, sleep hygiene, or other methods, while a physician can prescribe a sedative if a person is having trouble falling asleep.
Working a night shift can also impact mental health, with increased risks of depression and mood disorders. This is because the body’s natural tendency to shut down is interrupted by working during the night. This disruption also impairs focus and attention, which reduces productivity. Working a night shift also decreases fine motor skills and increases the risk of injury. This is especially dangerous when one is working in a dark environment.
Circadian clock disorders
Night shift work disrupts the circadian rhythm of the body and impairs waking functioning. This disruption can result in increased sleepiness, low energy levels, and performance problems. The consequences can be catastrophic and can even lead to accidents and errors. While night shift work is common, it is not a cure-all for shift workers’ sleep problems. Here are some tips to help you understand the dangers of shift work.
The first thing you need to do is get enough rest. Several studies have shown that night shift workers experience more chronic health problems than other people. Their levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides are higher than average. These changes in daily routines may also cause digestive disturbances. The next step is to monitor their levels of vigilance and sleepiness. Lastly, the effects of shift work on sleep may be more pronounced than the effects of daytime work.
An error of judgment
Night shift work is associated with negative consequences for mental health. Work schedules often result in sleep deprivation, which affects decision-making and other tasks. Sleep deprivation also increases the risk of accidents or injuries. As a result, nurses often report poor judgment. Studies show that night shift nurses have 30% more accidents than those who work during the day. Nightshift is a series of potential countermeasures for nurses to troubleshoot.
Some people who work only at night are diagnosed with shift work disorder. Take Modalert 200 to keep night-shift workers awake. This sleep disorder is related to their work schedule and can lead to insomnia or excessive sleep. If you suspect that you are suffering from this condition, it is best to talk to a health professional. Symptoms include excessive sleep or inability to focus on hand function.
