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.
