What Is Shift Work Disorder? 

Shift work disorder is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that affects people who work non-traditional hours.

Most of us are familiar with the traditional nine-to-five workday. However, due to the nature of some occupations, many employees find themselves working various shifts every few days or every other week. These changing shift times can often lead to shift work disorder, which can result in injuries and accidents in the workplace. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at shift work disorder: what it is, what causes it, and what medical issues can arise from it.

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Shift Work Disorder: What Is It and What Are Its Effects?

Shift work disorder is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that affects people who work non-traditional hours. The most common symptom of shift work disorder is excessive sleepiness during waking hours. Other symptoms include insomnia, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and depression. In extreme cases, shift work disorder can lead to hallucinations and heart attacks. Unfortunately, these issues can result in work-related accidents and injuries. 

Jobs and Professions That Require Individuals to Work Various Shifts Throughout the Day

There are a variety of jobs and professions that require employees to rotate through different shifts throughout the day. Some examples include: 

• Healthcare workers
• Police officers
• Firefighters
• Factory workers
• Retail workers

Often, these jobs are referred to as “rotating shift jobs.” If you find yourself working a rotating shift job, it’s important to know the risks associated with shift work disorder.

Medical Issues Common in Individuals Working Different Shifts 

Unlike employees who work normal work hours, workers who are employed in jobs that require them to work night shifts or rotating shifts are at increased risk for developing several health problems. Here’s a closer look at four of the most common health problems associated with shift work:

Gastrointestinal Problems

Gastrointestinal problems are one of the most commonly reported health issues among shift workers. This is likely because the body’s natural rhythms are disrupted when sleeping and eating patterns are constantly changing. In addition, shift workers may not have time to eat healthy meals or exercise regularly, which can also contribute to gastrointestinal issues. 

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is another health concern that has been linked to shift work. This is because disrupted sleep patterns can lead to increased stress levels, which can put a strain on the heart. In addition, employees who work night shifts or rotating shifts are at greater risk for developing high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

Weight Gain 

This is another common side effect of shift work. This is partly because shift workers often have erratic eating habits and may not have time for regular meals. In addition, shift workers often snack more frequently on unhealthy foods such as junk food or fast food. The constant disruption of sleeping patterns can also lead to weight gain by disrupting the body’s natural metabolism.

Diabetes

As mentioned earlier, shift workers often have poor access to healthy food options, and they are more likely to make unhealthy choices when they are tired. Add this to the fact that shift workers often have irregular schedules and limited time for self-care, and it’s no surprise that shift work has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. 

Unfortunately, as the body is unable to properly process sugars, most sugar is retained in the blood, which can damage the nerves and blood vessels. It can also lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. 

Missouri Workers Comp Laywer

As you can see, there are a variety of medical issues that are common in individuals who work different shifts. If you are suffering from a shift-work-related injury or illness, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits. The experienced Missouri workers comp lawyers at The Law Office of James. M. Hoffman can help you navigate the claims process and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.