Why Night Shift and Sleep Disorders Go Hand in Hand

If you work night shift, you may know what it is like to struggle with a sleep disorder. For some people, night shift and sleep disorders go hand in hand. The normal sleep cycle is regulated by melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland. In most people, the pineal gland produces melatonin at specific times each day. In people who work night shift, normal melatonin production is disrupted. This means that night shift workers may develop sleep disorders and have difficulty getting enough sleep each day. If family members are afraid to talk to you right after you wake up, you may have a sleep disorder that needs attention. Insomnia The term insomnia refers to difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep. Signs and symptoms of this condition include irritability, waking up too early, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, tension headaches, anxiety, depression, and not feeling rested after sleep. Without proper treatment, insomnia can lead to chronic sleep deprivation. Sleep studies indicate that some people with insomnia have high levels of cortisol when they are asleep. Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Sleep Deprivation Sleep deprivation simply means that you are not getting enough sleep each night. If you have ever been so tired that you couldn't remember your own name, you may have been the victim of sleep deprivation. This sleep disorder causes decreased alertness, cognitive impairment, temporary problems with memory, and stress. Sleep deprivation is no laughing matter, as it also increases the risk for auto accidents and workplace injuries. People who are sleep-deprived for long periods are also at risk for obesity, stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure, and heart attack. Sleep Apnea For those who often stop breathing during their sleep, night shift work can make the problem worse. This problem is caused by sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that causes frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses occur due to temporary blockages of the airway. Sleep apnea is dangerous because some people do not realize that they have stopped breathing, which increases the risk for death. Sleep studies have shown that night shift workers tend to have more frequent pauses in breathing, putting them at risk for complications. Sleep apnea can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and low blood oxygen. If you have a sleep disorder related to night shift work, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the problem. One is to practice good sleep hygiene. This means taking actions to improve the quality of your sleep. Sleeping in a dark, quiet room is just one way to improve sleep quality. If your symptoms persist, see a physician to discuss your problem with night shift and sleep disorders.