Last updated on : 16 May, 2024
Read time : 4 min
Sleep is essential to our daily routine that determines our health and well-being. Adequate sleep helps improve cognitive functioning, balances body hormones, regulates body metabolism, circulatory system, and respiratory system and boosts immunity.
The sleep cycle in our body is processed by the circadian rhythm or the sleep/wake cycle in the body. Circadian rhythm is the 24-hour internal clock in our brain that controls processes of alertness and sleepiness in response to the light change in the surrounding. It helps cope with daily activities such as learning, thinking, reacting, concentrating and working.
During the daytime, wakefulness is controlled by the circadian rhythm, which increases alertness during the day and decreases attentiveness during the nighttime. Circadian rhythm is further influenced by a homeostatic pressure of sleep that develops due to long waking hours in the day.
Both circadian rhythm and homeostatic pressure of sleep, work in synchronization with the light and dark cycle to maintain wakefulness while awake and at work, while inducing sleep at night.
When working during the night or early morning shifts circadian drive for alertness is low, and sleepiness is more. Circadian desynchronization opposes the natural biological cycle of sleep and leads to shortened and hampered sleep and excessive sleepiness while awake at work.
The circadian desynchronization due to night shifts is known as shift work disorder. This sleep disorder is characterized by excessive sleepiness, insomnia, or both. It is usually experienced by those who work in nontraditional shifts, i.e. outside the regular 9:00 am to 5:00 pm shift.
With the growing economy, the rate of night shifts is also increasing in India, and so are the health consequences of night shifts. It becomes challenging for a night shift worker to sleep in daylight with so much disturbance.
Chronic sleep deprivation, sleepiness, and lack of energy from night shifts negatively impact your health, increasing the risk of accidents and lowering workplace productivity.
Night shift workers also experience terrible mood swings and irritability due to sleep deprivation. They may also indulge in alcohol or drugs as a sleeping aid.
The significant health consequences as the result of circadian desynchronization include:
Despite its adverse effects, night shift work will remain a vital and unavoidable component of our economy. So it’s good to make particular lifestyle and behavioural changes to prevent and manage shift work disorder. These are the tips that you can follow if you are a night shift worker:
Try to keep your travel time short to avoid or minimize your exposure to morning sunlight on your way home. It will help prevent the activation of the internal daytime clock.
Ask your family members to avoid noisy activities while you sleep.
Implementing these lifestyle changes will help you manage shift work disorder, boost your mental health and increase your productivity at work.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is true to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend that you consult your doctor if you are experiencing sleeping problems.
Disclaimer
Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.
...View more
...View more
Subscribe
Claim your complimentary health and fitness tips subscription and stay updated on our newest promotions.
Download Truemeds
Manage your health with ease Download Truemeds today!Get easy access to medicine refills, health information, and more. With our app, you'll never have to wait in line again. Download now and start taking control of your health.
Contact Us
Our customer representative team is available 7 days a week from 9 am - 9 pm.
v3.5.1
Our Payment Partners