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Another workday begins and a terrible fatigue or even sadness comes over you. The workday feels unbearably long and despite the amount of coffee you drink or exercise you try to work into your daily routine, you simply cannot drum up the energy you need to get through the day. Your work or personal relationships might suffer. Maybe you have been living like this for days, even years. These are symptoms of shift workers disorder, a chronic sleep condition caused by an individual's tiresome or difficult work schedule. If you are suffering from shift workers disorder in Birmingham, you may be able to get help. What Is Shift Workers Disorder? About 15% of the U.S. working population has a non-traditional work schedule, or a schedule outside the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday. Most people who suffer from shift workers sleep disorder have an irregular working shift, which causes a disruption in a person's circadian rhythm, or the internal sleep clock that most people live by. The International Classifications of Sleep Disorders identifies this condition as a misalignment in ordinary sleep patterns, a problem that disrupts sleep or results in unsatisfying sleep. According to experts at the National Sleep Foundation, at least 10% of night shift workers suffer from this disorder. Like all sleep disorders, shift workers disorder is particularly dangerous because of the long-term health consequences of poor sleep--heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, for example. What Are the Symptoms of Shift Workers Disorder? Just because you work irregular shifts, you do not automatically suffer from this disorder. Likewise, those who work traditional shifts can also suffer from this disorder. It is important to identify the symptoms, which include: - Insomnia, or trouble falling asleep
- Exhaustion, even after sleeping
- Difficulty focusing, even on important tasks at work
- Lack of energy throughout the day
- Mood irregularities, such as irritability or mood swings
- Depression
- Lack of interest in activities that you usually find stimulating
These symptoms can be frequent and ongoing or occasional and temporary. Every individual is different and suffers differently. That is why it is important to consult with a sleep specialist and seek treatment, even if you do not suffer from all of the above symptoms. What Treatment Options Exist? When attempts to change or elongate your sleep schedule are not sufficient, you may want to pursue professional medical assistance. A sleep specialist can help you with basic, non-medication treatments, including relaxation techniques and sleep advice. For example, high temperatures in your bedroom may contribute to your poor or unsatisfying sleep. When basic treatment options are unsatisfactory, your sleep specialist may then try a combination of the following: - Medications to induce sleep or increase your alertness
- Antidepressants
- Sleep analysis devices, such as those commonly used on sleep apnea patients
Though changing your daily schedule so that you sleep at night and wake up early in the morning would be ideal, this dramatic change in your lifestyle may not be a possibility. Further, people can still suffer from shift workers disorder in Birmingham even if they have a typical sleep and work schedule. The best way to find a solution to any difficult symptoms you experience while awake or sleeping is to consult with a sleep specialist near you.
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