Shift Work and Sleep: Medical Implications and Management (Review)
Summary
This review outlines the medical consequences of shift work and provides an overview of Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD), a circadian rhythm condition marked by excessive sleepiness, insomnia, or both in response to irregular schedules. It describes how circadian misalignment leads to fatigue, mental health problems, reduced physical well-being, and diminished quality of life. The review also stresses the significant economic costs of untreated SWSD and calls for greater involvement from healthcare providers and policymakers in prevention, education, and worker support.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
This article reinforces that the challenges of shift work go beyond “feeling tired” — they represent a recognized medical issue with real health and safety consequences. For workers, this means that tools like naps, melatonin, or timed light exposure are not just personal hacks but strategies that can be part of a broader management plan. For healthcare leaders and employers, it highlights the need for system-level approaches — from education to scheduling policies — that protect both worker health and public safety.
Notes
Clinically oriented overview.