Do you work at times other than the usual “ nine to five ” business day? If so, you are among the millions of shift workers in America ’s workplace. You may work when most people are asleep and attempt to sleep when the rest of the world is awake.
Shift workers perform critical functions in hospitals, on police forces, as emergency personnel, and in manufacturing industries. In addition, they are meeting the demand for “round-the-clock” service in an age of global interaction. More than 22 million Americans are shift workers, and that number is growing by three percent each year!
Unfortunately, when it comes to sleep, most shift workers don’t get enough. When shifts fall during the night ( 11pm to 7am ), the worker is fighting the natural wake-sleep pattern. It may be hard to stay alert at night and just as hard to fall asleep and stay asleep during the day. Night workers get less sleep than daytime workers do, and the sleep is less restful. Learn about Helpful Hints to Help You Sleep.
Consequences of Shift Work
Shift workers experience more stomach problems (especially heartburn and indigestion), menstrual irregularities, colds, flu, and weight game than day workers. Heart problems are more likely too, along with higher blood pressure. The risk of workplace and automobile accidents rises for tired shift workers, especially on the drive to and from work.
Driving home after work can be risky for the shift worker, particularly since you have been awake all night and the body needs to sleep. For the evening working coming home around midnight , the risk of meeting drunk drivers is higher. People think that opening the car windows or listening to the radio will keep them awake. However, studies show that these methods work for only a short period of time. If you are sleepy when your shift is over, try to take a nap before driving home. Remember, sleep can quickly overcome you when you don’t want it to. Learn more about Drowsy Driving.
|
Promoting Alertness at Work
Just as you can take steps to ensure a good night’s—or day’s—sleep, you can try these steps to stay alert on the job:
- Take short breaks throughout the shift
- Try to work with a “buddy”. Talking with co-workers can help keep you alert, and co-workers can be on the lookout for signs of drowsiness in each other
- Try to exercise during breaks. Use the employee lounge, take a walk, shoot hoops in the parking lot, or climb stairs.
- Try to eat three normal meal per day. Eat healthy snacks, avoiding foods that may upset your stomach.
- If you drink a caffeinated beverage (coffee, tea, sodas), do so early in the shift (i.e. before 3am for the night worker).
- Don’t leave the most tedious or boring tasks to the end of your shift when you are apt to feel the drowsiest. Night shift workers hit their lowest period around 4am .
- Exchange ideas with your colleagues on ways to cope with the problems of shift work. Set up a support group at work so that you can support and learn from each other.
If you operate heavy equipment or drive a vehicle during your shift work, you must pay careful attention to signs of sleepiness or fatigue. To ignore signals such as yawning, frequent blinking, a sense of tiredness or a failure to make routine safety checks may put you and others at risk. If you feel sleepy or drowsy, stop your work as soon as safely possible.
|
