Shift Work and Shift Work Sleep Disorder: Clinical Review
Summary
This clinical and organizational review describes Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWD), a circadian rhythm condition affecting a substantial minority of night and rotating-shift workers. SWD is defined by excessive sleepiness, insomnia, or both, leading to reduced quality of life, poorer health, and higher accident risk. At the organizational level, SWD also creates financial costs through lost productivity and safety incidents. The review outlines current knowledge of the disorder’s causes, health impacts, and treatment approaches, including light therapy, melatonin, and cognitive-behavioral methods. It also highlights workplace strategies like improved scheduling, nap opportunities, and fatigue risk management programs, though evidence for many interventions remains limited.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
This review reinforces that persistent sleep problems linked to shift work may signal a recognized medical condition — Shift Work Sleep Disorder — rather than just poor habits. For workers, knowing about SWD can help them seek effective tools, from light exposure strategies to behavioral adjustments. For employers, the message is that reducing fatigue risk through smarter scheduling and supportive policies isn’t just about comfort — it protects health, safety, and performance while lowering costs.
Notes
Useful for clinical and occupational audiences.