Shift Work Disorder

Approximately 16% of the workforce consists of shift workers, and the prevalence of shift work disorder (SWD) in the general population may be as high as 2% to 5%. Shift work refers to anything outside the traditional daytime work schedule. It usually affects people who work nights, but it can also affect those who start work early, before 6:30 a.m., or in the evening, after 4:30 p.m. SWD creates problems with excessive sleepiness during the work shift combined with insomnia during the times the patient wants to sleep. Symptoms may include headaches, weight gain, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, attention or concentration issues, irritability, and depression. This entry discusses the risk factors for developing SWD and treatment options.

The human body is programmed through circadian rhythms to ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles