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Shift Work Sleep Disorder

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Shift work sleep disorder.
Today's American society functions in the environment of a 24/7 economy. This situation is certainly welcomed by employers and consumers, but what about workers who are required to work outside of the regular 8-5 schedule? What is the impact of shift work on the individual’s health, and especially sleep? Research evidence suggests that shift workers are at a higher risk for developing a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and sleep disturbances. In addition, sleep disorders in shift workers pose a serious risk to public health and safety because they impair an individual’s ability to perform effectively, and may result in occupational and traffic accidents. Employees, who work night shift on a regular or rotating basis, are at risk of developing shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) (Keller, 2009).
SWSD belongs to the group of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Circadian rhythms are the natural internal body mechanisms that regulate body wake/sleep cycle. When circadian rhythms are disturbed the person may experience warning signs of SWSD. The two main symptoms of SWSD are excessive sleepiness at night, during working hours, and insomnia during daytime sleeping hours. SWSD is widely undiagnosed and undertreated in the medical community. The diagnosis usually based on the patient’s history alone, when sleep disturbances cannot be explained by any medical problem, medication, or substance abuse disorder (O’Malley, 2011).
SWSD is associated with an increased occurrence of medical illnesses, fatigue, irritability, and increased incidents of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the patient usually faces disturbances in social and family life. Overall, the quality of life is severely impaired in workers with SWSD (Schwartz & Roth, 2006).
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