Prevention & Promotion

Shift Workers

According to the American Psychological Association, those who do shift work often find that their sleep patterns are disrupted. If they are not able to sleep successfully, they become sleep deprived and mental health issues can be an outcome. Mental health issues however, may go unrecognized because the symptoms are attributed to fatigue, stress, "burn-out" or job or family issues. Workplaces and employers may benefit by helping shift workers understand the importance of getting the rest they need to remain healthy, productive and safe.

Some strategies employers can share with shift workers to help them avoid succumbing to sleep loss and possibly mental health issues when doing shift work are

1. Be aware of the overall health benefits of an adequate sleep – Sleep is as necessary as good food and exercise for good health.
    
2. Be protective of sleep – All workers should do what is necessary to get at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep. This can include turning the phone off, getting headsets for children to listen to music, television or games, carpeting floors, having a designated sleeping room away from noise and light, and sharing work/sleep schedules with friends and neighbours so they know when the shift worker is sleeping.
    
3. Choose healthy sleep aids – Alcohol is the most commonly used sleep aid and though it may promote relaxation to help fall asleep, it disrupts deep sleep and may lead to depression.
    
4. Enlist family support – When there is a shift worker in the family, it is a shift-working family. Workers are encouraged to involve the entire family in making it work.
    
5. Match your "type" and your schedule – So-called "night owls" and "early birds" adapt differently to different shift schedules. Shift workers who know their "type" are in a better position to choose a shift schedule that makes it easier for them to adapt and get the sleep they need.
    
6. Be aware of sleep disorders – These are often at the root of a shift worker's sleep issues, but may not get diagnosed because the problems are attributed to shift work.

For more information on the importance of sleep and sleep strategies, see Mental Health Resources > Approaches to Wellness.

Resources

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