Cause

• Shift work sleep disorder affects workers who work nights or rotate shifts. People may have a hard time adjusting to their constantly changing sleep schedule because their working hours conflict with their body's natural Circadian rhythm. People who work non-traditional hours, usually between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., are at risk for developing the disorder, as are those who rise very early in the morning for work.
  
  

Symptoms

• Two major signs of shift work sleep disorder are insomnia or excessive sleepiness. Loss of energy, difficulty in concentrating and headaches are also among the symptoms.
  
  

Side Effects

• Issues with mood and irritability and increases in sick time, work mistakes and stress are among the side effects of shift work sleep disorder. Because the condition wears on your health, it puts you at greater risk to other conditions like colds, flu, high cholesterol, heat attack and obesity. Those who experience severe loss of concentration or sleepiness also risk on-the-job or car accidents.
  
  

Testing

• A doctor may check to see if you are suffering from shift work sleep disorder with an actigraph. An actigraph is a sensor that is worn on the wrist like a watch. It collects information about sleep patterns and Circadian rhythms that is analyzed by a computer.
  
  

Improving Sleep

• Getting a good night's rest is the best strategy to reducing the effects of shift work sleep disorder. Among the measures people can take are changing their work schedules, such as working a limited number of third shifts, to accommodate better sleep; asking for family support to minimize noise while you rest; avoiding caffeine, nicotine, drugs and alcohol; and establishing a routine that tells you body it's time to sleep, like a warm shower and a cup of herbal tea.
  
  

Medications

• Your doctor may prescribe something to treat your condition, such as the supplement melatonin. He may recommend sleeping pills for a short duration like Ambien, Ambien CR, Lunesta or Rozerem. Modafinil is a medicine that improves alertness while you are working.
  
  

Lifestyle Change

• Shift work sleep disorder usually abates after a person stops performing shift work and his body returns to his natural sleep pattern. However, if you are suffering from severe lack of restful sleep, a change of job or profession could be necessary for the sake of your health.