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Shift Work Sleep Disorder

What is shift work sleep disorder?

Shift work sleep disorder, sometimes known as shift work disorder (SWD) affects some people who work irregular, rotating, or night shifts, and are required to stay awake during hours most people sleep. This disrupts the normal sleep/wake cycle, sometimes causing excessive sleepiness, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, diminished alertness, and impaired functioning at work, home, and in social settings. Approximately 15-20% of the nearly 15 million American shift workers experience SWD, but anyone who works shifts is at risk.

What are the symptoms of SWD?

Symptoms include excessive sleepiness, insomnia, reduced performance capacity. Possible consequences may include depression, gastrointestinal problems, and even an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and drug and alcohol use that may result from attempts to improve sleep.

How is SWD diagnosed?

A thorough exam by a physician is the first step in diagnosis to identify any underlying conditions that affect sleep or alertness. A diagnosis of SWD occurs when there is functional impairment and excessive sleepiness or insomnia associated with shift work lasting for at least one month. In addition, monitoring sleep for at least a week reveals disturbed circadian rhythm and sleep-time misalignment which is not explained by an underlying condition or cause other than shift work.

How is SWD treated?

A change in work schedule to accommodate a natural sleep/wake cycle is the only way to resolve SWD. Methods to address the disorder or manage the symptoms include using bright lights during nighttime hours to help combat drowsiness and improve alertness, or using a prescription medication to treat excessive sleepiness or insomnia.