Sleepy or sleepless

By: Kate M. Serrano
Do you have trouble staying alert when you are supposed to be awake and working? And do you have trouble sleeping when it’s time to rest? This is a common condition for those whose work schedule collides with their body's natural internal clock— you’re forced to try to sleep when you feel alert and work when you feel drowsy. It’s called shift work sleep disorder and people who work shifts are those most at risk. The symptoms include insomnia, fatigue, irritability, decreased alertness, and trouble concentrating and none of which will help win the Employee of the Month status.

Not all shift workers are affected though. Night owls adjust well to working at night and they get enough sleep during the day. And despite the toll that such shifts can take, somebody has to work them. Here are a few of the jobs that may put you at risk of shift work sleep disorder.

Factory Workers. To maximize productivity, the manufacturing industry relies on shift work for productivity and maximizing profit. Drowsy or tired workers can increase the risk of workplace injuries.

Nurses. In the goal of providing continuous care for patients, nurses work not only shifts but long hours too.

Senior Managers. Senior managers deal with stress all the time – overseeing the team, resolving financial issues, attending to clients. If you have a cranky boss, too little sleep could be the reason.

Airplane Pilots. They face irregular hours, long shifts and jet lags as they take on red eye flights and travel through multiple time zones. Because of this, there are strict guidelines to flight time and rest. Before completing a flight, pilots must have at least eight hours of uninterrupted rest.

Network Administrators. The Internet has created a new demand for shift workers. Network administrators are hired to ensure a 24/7 smooth operation on web-based services. The downside to this is that there are more sleep-deprived workers than in the past.

New Parents. Proven and tested as a sleep wrecker. When a newborn wakes up, it is rather difficult for parents to get sleep. A new mom may be sleeping seven hours at night but sleep is fragmented, irregular and not refreshing. Luckily, as the baby grows older, sleeping pattern improves too.

Experts recommend sticking to the same schedule even on days off or weekends when working shifts otherwise you’re more likely to feel fatigued, have lesser concentration or be more prone to accidents at work. There are strategies though to keep you alert – drink something with caffeine at the start of the shift, walk around during breaks. It also helps if you work with others instead of being alone. And when it’s time to go home and sleep, wear an eye mask or put the curtains down. You can also create a bedtime ritual like reading a book or taking a shower to signal your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Most people don’t have it so easy. Sleeping is a skill, rest is a necessity. Be savvy about the amount of sleep you get.