Taking on a job that requires individuals to work overnight shifts or rotating schedules can be challenging. It not only disrupts the natural sleep-wake cycle, but also impacts overall health and well-being. Shift work often affects circadian rhythm, which refers to the internal biological clock that controls the sleep-wake cycle. This clock is located in the brain and regulates various physiological processes, such as hormone production, body temperature, and metabolism.
Many people adapt well to working shifts, but for others it can lead to circadian rhythm sleep disorders. These disorders are characterized by difficulty falling asleep at desired times, feeling sleepy during waking hours, and experiencing poor quality of sleep. The team at The Sleep Center of Northwest Georgia in Dalton, Georgia, includes our board-certified specialist in sleep medicine, Dr. Naseer A. Humayun. He works alongside his patients to help them with certain sleeping disorders, including circadian rhythm sleep disorders for shift workers. Let’s learn more about this condition and what can be done.
What are circadian rhythm sleep disorders?
Dr. Naseer A. Humayun describes circadian rhythm sleep disorders as disruptions in the natural sleep-wake cycle, which can be caused by shift work. Our bodies are naturally programmed to follow a 24-hour cycle, with periods of both wakefulness and sleep. When this cycle is disrupted due to overnight or rotating shifts, it often causes patients to experience difficulty falling asleep at desired times and feeling tired and fatigued during the waking hours.
What are a few types of circadian rhythm sleep disorders?
- Shift Work Disorder. This disorder occurs when an individual’s work schedule is out of sync with their internal biological clock, leading to difficulties sleeping during the day and feeling sleepy during working hours.
- Jet Lag Disorder. Jet lag disorder is a temporary circadian rhythm sleep disorder that usually occurs when an individual travels to different time zones, disrupting their internal clock and causing difficulty falling asleep at night.
- Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder. This disorder occurs when an individual’s natural sleep-wake cycle is delayed by a few hours, making it difficult for them to fall asleep at a desired bedtime and causing them to feel tired during the day.
- Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder. On the other hand, advanced sleep phase disorder causes individuals to have an earlier-than-normal sleep schedule, making it challenging for them to stay awake in the evening and leading to early morning awakenings.
When might I require professional assistance?
Determining when to seek help for circadian rhythm sleep disorders affecting shift workers is critical to ensure a proper quality of life for individuals. If you are experiencing difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling excessively sleepy during your working hours, it may be time to seek professional assistance. A board-certified specialist in sleep medicine can help by providing a comprehensive evaluation and developing an individualized treatment plan that may help in maintaining one’s source of employment while ensuring that you are healthy and well-rested.
Who can I call to learn more about circadian rhythm sleep disorders and other sleep disturbances?
At The Sleep Center of Northwest Georgia, Dr. Naseer A. Humayun and his team are here to help! If you are struggling with any kind of sleep disturbances, we can evaluate you and talk to you about ways to address the issue to improve your quality of life! Call (706) 226-2330 to or complete this form to schedule an appointment at our clinic, conveniently located at 1420 Mineral Springs Road in Dalton, Georgia.