Shift work and sleep | The top 3 sleep concerns shift workers face

If you are a shift worker concerned about your quality of sleep, don’t worry as you are not alone. By understanding the implications of shift work on your sleep quality, you will be better equipped to cope with any resulting issues you may be facing.

Australian shift workers and their sleeping habits:

Did you know 16% of the Australian working population is made up of shift workers? Are you among, or do you know people who work rotating shifts, irregular shifts, evening shifts, afternoon shifts, morning shifts or split shifts? Shift workers often experience less daily sleep, with episodes lasting only 4-6 hours, which is well below the suggested average of 7-9 hours.

What’s the issue?

With approximately three quarters of the shift working population affected by disturbed sleep, there is no doubt that unstable hours are the prominent precursor of poor sleep quality for shift workers. By its very nature, working in shifts results in frequent inconsistency, impacting important regular routines needed for a quality night’s sleep. Dealing with shift work can be likened to dealing with constant jet lag. What shift workers face specifically, is a circadian misalignment between their body clock and the outside world. This misalignment can lead to trouble returning to sleep as they often experience periods of ‘wakefulness’ when undesired.

Why should you be concerned?

Shift working has been found to negatively affect the sleep quality of many workers. Though disturbed sleep may lead to fluctuations in sleep/wake cycles, there are also significant impacts that can be troublesome for work and personal wellbeing.

These 3 concerns have been found to be highly prevalent in shift workers:

1. Work Quality:

While shift working may significantly impair sleep quality, it can be said that reduced sleep quality will consequently have an adverse impact on work quality. With a disturbed circadian rhythm, you may experience drowsiness when you’re working and intensified energy while you are attempting to sleep.

2. Work Safety:

In many shift working occupations, misalignment of circadian rhythm may pose a significant safety risk. Jobs that require full attention and quick decision making are extremely reliant on the employee’s sleep quality. A recent study in India indicated that an alarming 57.2% of night-shift bus drivers claimed that they experienced sleepiness while they were driving.

3. Health Risks:

Studies have shown that shift workers experience a significant reduction in Stage 2 and REM sleep, with the latter being vital for learning & memory consolidation, as well as nervous system development. Further consequences of a lack of REM sleep include reduced coping skills, headaches and a heightened risk of obesity.

Simple ways to minimise the effects of shift work:

Quality sleep must be maximised to ensure good health and wellbeing. Natural remedies such as tea, meditation or a warm bath can be introduced to improve sleep quality. Looking for more simple way’s you can improve your sleeping habits? Read our top 5 do’s and don’ts before falling asleep. If symptoms of restlessness and interrupted sleep persist, please consult with your pharmacist to discuss potential solutions.