Shift Work Disorder occurs when the body’s internal sleep-wake clock is out of sync with the work schedule.

Because of this disruption of the body’s natural rhythm, people with Shift Work Disorder often struggle to stay awake during their waking hours or have trouble sleeping during their sleeping hours.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 15 million Americans work outside of the traditional 9 to 5 schedule. 1 in 4 of these workers may have Shift Work Disorder (SWD)

Risk Factors for SWD may include:

• Work schedules that include night, early morning, or rotating shifts.
• Work hours that overlap with the typical sleep period
• Frequent Mandatory Overtime. Shift work is often combined with extended hours of duty, so fatigue can be a compounding factor.

Signs and tests

There are currently no definitive tests available for diagnosis of Shift Work Disorder.  If you think you may be suffering from SWD, please consult with your physician.

Treatment

There really is no cure for Shift Work Disorder other than changing your work hours to a ‘normal’ daytime work schedule. This may not be a possibility; especially in the nursing field.  Nursing is 24/7 and as long as there are sick people, there will be night shift workers in nursing.  Next week, I am going to discuss some treatments that can help alleviate some of the symptoms of SWD.

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