Shift Work Problems
Employment Choices versus Sleep Deprivation
Shift work is a common cause of sleep disorders due to how it
affects the individuals sleep wake cycle. When night approaches the eyes register the change and melatonin is
released by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep wake cycle. If during this change there is an interruption in the sleep wake cycle due to
jet lag or employment in shift work then sleep deprivation can occur. Shift work problems can cause job performance difficulty and
create other problems such as drowsy driving and difficulty concentrating. If the individuals job or employment requires accuracy due to the
operation of dangerous machinery or the handling of toxic or dangerous substances then the problem can be compounded. Some experts believe that
individuals who were sleepy caused the 3 Mile Island and Chernobyl disasters. Both problems occurred at approximately 3 AM that is generally the
time of most difficulty to be alert when you have employment in shift work. The problem that occurs is that the individual may be awake but their
brain is effectively resting at that time.
Shift Work Problem-Consider a Job Change or Job Move
The major problem that occurs when you continually change or move from time zone to time zone because of jet lag or your nighttime job is that
the individual generally gets only 5 hours of sleep on average versus the recommended 8 hours. Consideration should be given to the long-term
health effects of this sleep deprivation and a career move considered.
See Also: Insomnia Hypnosis
About The Author:
Andrew Thomas is a successful author and regular contributor to
http://www.sleep-disorders-help.com.
| 
