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Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Description

As the name implies, this disorder primarily affects shift workers who work late at night or early in the morning. Because such work requires sleeping at abnormal times, it’s common for worker’s natural circadian rhythms to change. Shift work sleep disorder is associated with this interruption in sleep patterns and can lead to insomnia or extreme sleepiness during the day.

Diagnosis

Patients complain of insomnia or excessive sleepiness. Work and relationships are oftentimes affected by this disorder. Patients may also get headaches and have trouble concentrating for periods at a time.

Treatment

Sleep medication is oftentimes used to adjust a sufferer’s biological clock to a point that would allow them to sleep normally again. As with delayed sleep syndrome, bright light therapy in the morning may help patients wake up easier and consequently, go to bed at an earlier hour.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.