Shift Work Sleep Disorder Treatment
Night shifts, rotating schedules, and early-morning start times can leave you unable to sleep when you need to and struggling to stay awake on the job. Sleep Health MD helps healthcare workers, first responders, agricultural and manufacturing employees, and other shift workers in Santa Cruz, Freedom, Sunnyvale, and Monterey get better sleep and stay safe at work.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Shift Work Sleep Disorder?
Shift work sleep disorder is a type of circadian rhythm sleep disorder that affects people whose work hours overlap with the time the body naturally expects to sleep. When you work overnight or on a rotating schedule, your body clock is still signaling alertness during the day and sleepiness at night. The result is short, poor-quality daytime sleep and excessive sleepiness during your shift.
Who Is at Risk?
- Nurses, physicians, and hospital staff
- Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics
- Agricultural, warehouse, and manufacturing workers
- Truck drivers, pilots, and transportation workers
- Technology and customer support workers covering global time zones
- Anyone working early-morning, overnight, or rotating shifts
Symptoms of Shift Work Sleep Disorder
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep during the day
- Getting significantly less total sleep than you need
- Severe sleepiness or microsleeps during work hours
- Trouble concentrating, slower reaction times, and mistakes at work
- Irritability, low mood, and strained relationships
- Headaches and digestive problems
Health and Safety Risks
Chronic circadian disruption is linked to higher rates of accidents, weight gain, high blood pressure, metabolic problems, and depression. Drowsy driving after a night shift is a particular concern. Shift workers can also have other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, that make fatigue worse and should be ruled out.
How We Diagnose and Treat Shift Work Sleep Disorder
Your provider will review your work schedule, sleep habits, and symptoms. A sleep diary or actigraphy can show how your sleep is affected over several weeks, and a sleep study may be recommended if a breathing or movement disorder is suspected. Treatment may include:
- A personalized sleep schedule built around your shifts
- Strategic light exposure during work and light avoidance on the commute home
- Blackout curtains, white noise, and other bedroom adjustments for daytime sleep
- Planned naps before or during shifts when allowed
- Carefully timed melatonin or wake-promoting medication when appropriate
- Behavioral strategies used in insomnia treatment
Support for Employers
Fatigue affects workplace safety and productivity. Organizations interested in sleep education and screening for their teams can learn about our corporate wellness programs. You can also explore other sleep conditions we treat or review our accepted insurances.
Shift Work Sleep Disorder FAQs
What is shift work sleep disorder?
It is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that causes insomnia and excessive sleepiness in people who work night, early-morning, or rotating shifts.
How much sleep do shift workers need?
Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, regardless of when that sleep occurs.
Do blackout curtains really help daytime sleep?
Yes. Keeping your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet is one of the most effective ways to improve daytime sleep after a night shift.
Is it better to stay on a consistent night schedule?
For many people, keeping a consistent schedule, even on days off, makes it easier for the body clock to adjust than frequently switching between day and night routines.
Can melatonin help after a night shift?
Melatonin taken before daytime sleep may help some shift workers, but timing and dose should be guided by your sleep specialist.
Could I have sleep apnea instead of shift work disorder?
It is possible to have both. If you snore, stop breathing in your sleep, or remain sleepy despite adequate rest, a sleep study may be recommended.
How do I get help for shift work sleep problems?
Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online with Sleep Health MD.
Sleep Better Around Your Work Schedule
Your job should not cost you your health. Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online to build a sleep plan that works with your shifts.