Because of the increasing demand for different resources and facilities, the number of people working in shifts has decreased.
There are many different kinds of shifts based on the type of work. Certain professions require workers to work during the day, and some require night shifts. Others are required to work graveyard shifts. There are certain companies or jobs that don’t operate according to fixed hours or times, and employees must be prepared for business during the times they are needed.
The shifts that occur during the daytime, typically starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m., generally do not create significant health problems for employees. This is due to the fact that it is usually in tune with the normal sleep-wake cycle of our bodies.
However, there are those working evening shifts at night, or graveyard shifts, or even rotating systems that aren’t in alignment with their natural sleep-wake cycles.
We are all aware of the importance of a good quality of sleep at night to our well-being. Individuals who work night shifts or other shifts typically have to be productive, despite being in sync with their body’s circadian rhythm.
The majority of people have sleep-wake cycles that are attuned to night and day, so they remain alert and awake throughout the day and fall asleep at night. This helps to ensure the proper functioning of the various areas of our bodies.
People who work shifts are often afflicted with numerous health issues that are associated with shift work. There are also some serious health hazards as they work at night for long periods of time.
Let’s discuss the health risks that are majorly associated with shift work.
Fatigue
One of the main complaints faced by those working night shifts can be fatigue. Our bodies tend to remain active during the day. However, our central nervous system can rest when it gets dark. Humans are naturally drawn to the dark or nighttime as a time to relax and sleep.
A night’s sleep is extremely nourishing and revitalizing for the human body.
Workers who work shifts are often unable to rest at night, which is why they tend to feel tired more than those who are in tune with their own body’s normal rhythm.
If someone is working for long periods of time during shifts that go in opposition to their body’s natural rhythm, fatigue may develop into chronic fatigue syndrome.
Poor Memory:
Many people who work late at night suffer from weak short-term memory. It can affect them personally and can affect their work performance.
General forgetfulness can lead to serious memory problems if people aren’t getting enough good quality sleep over the course of years.
People who are most likely to work at night often suffer from various mental health issues once they have reached a certain threshold.
Shift Work-Sleep Disorder
It is a disorder that is usually diagnosed by people working shifts. The symptoms include fatigue, memory loss, and alertness issues, sleepiness, trouble sleeping, or feeling tired during work.
The effects of these symptoms are cumulatively felt by the person who works during shifts and can affect their health. It impacts their social lives and relationships, as well as their mental well-being.
People who are diagnosed with shift work sleep disorder are frequently prescribed medication such as Waklert which both contain Armodafinil, to fight the severe manifestations of this disorder.
Heart Condition:
Workers who work shifts, particularly nights, aren’t in a position to enjoy adequate time to sleep throughout the daytime. There are many elements, like children’s noises or heat that could make it difficult for people to get a deep rest during the day.
In general, those who sleep mainly during the day get less restorative sleep than those who go to bed at night.
It can lead to various ailments and health issues that affect the cardiovascular system and heart within the body. Anxiety, high blood pressure, or poor blood circulation are some of the cardiovascular problems that sufferers are afflicted with due to working night shifts.
What Can You Do to Reduce the Health Risks That Come With Working Shifts?
If the proper hygiene of sleep is maintained, having a consistent sleep schedule and scheduling additional time to regulate the sleep cycle after a shift change could help reduce the adverse health effects of shift work.
The only way to get a deep and restorative sleep on a daily basis is by Therefore, people who work shifts must focus on getting enough sleep in their off hours. This can help prevent adverse health effects and increase their productivity in the long run.
You may also seek advice from your doctor about the signs of sleep problems caused by shift work. The dosages of medicines like Artvigil are particularly effective for those diagnosed with severe shift sleep disorders. You can get more information about at alldayawake.com.