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Alternate Work Schedule Sleep
Disorder
Alternate work schedule sleep disorder is a type of sleep disorder which affects people
with shift work or work at night. The work schedule of these people go against their body natural Circadian rhythm.
This is especially common for people who work non-traditional hours between 10.00pm to 6.00am.
Two of the common symptoms of alternate work schedule sleep disorder are disruption of sleep and excessive
sleepiness. Other symptoms include difficulty in concentrating, headaches and lack of energy. This type of sleep
disorder can bring adverse consequences such as increased auto or work accidents, increased work related errors,
and bad health.
If you are a shift worker, there is not much choice but to deal with this disorder. You have to make sleep the top
priority. Prepare mentally and physically for sleep during the day. If it helps, wear sunglasses on your way home
from work from night shift work to avoid activating the body internal day clock.
Set a bedtime ritual and follow it. Rituals such as taking a soothing warm bath, drinking
soothing herbal tea or listening to relaxing music helps to relax your mind and prepare your body for sleep. Keep a
regular sleep schedule and try to sleep at the same time every night. It is recommended to sleep as soon as
possible after work.
Get the support of family members to minimize noise and activities. Get them to wear headphones while listening to
music or watching television. Avoid house chores such as vacuuming, using the washing machine during your sleep
time. Take the phone off the hook and switch off your cell phone or door bell. Put heavy blinds in your room to
block off day light as much as possible.
As the effects of alternate work schedule sleep disorder can be serious, you should try your best to minimize these
effects. Here are some tips how to do that:
- Do not work night shift for more than 3 to 5 shifts in a row. Generally night shift
workers sleep less than day shift workers, thus they can become progressively sleep deprived over several
days.
- Avoid extended working hours such as prolonged shift and overtime.
- Avoid long commutes if possible as this takes time away from sleeping.
- Do not rotate shifts for more than once a week as it is easier to get adjusted to same
shifts then different shifts.
- Arrange a regular sleep schedule and avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and
nicotine.
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