How to manage sleep issues while working on night shifts?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old male currently working night shifts, and I am encountering difficulties in achieving adequate sleep. I suspect that I might be dealing with a sleep disorder. Could you provide information on the typical signs of sleep disorders and guide me on differentiating between conditions such as sleep apnea and insomnia? Are there specific sleep medications designed for individuals with irregular work hours? Additionally, could you recommend lifestyle changes or relaxation techniques to enhance the quality of my sleep? At what point should I seek advice from a sleep specialist, and what tests might be suggested for diagnosing potential sleep disorders? Please help.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I suggest getting polysomnography, a sleep study that monitors and records various physiological activities during sleep to diagnose sleep disorders to figure out sleep issues and rule out sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep) or insomnia (characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep).

For treatment, I suggest the following:

Try using a 5 mg Melatonin tablet before bedtime; it is a natural sleep helper.
Make exercise a daily thing, like a 30 to 45-minute walk.
Give meditation a shot for 20 minutes each day. Sit comfortably, focus on regular breathing, and do not stress if thoughts come and go.
If things do not improve after four to six weeks, it might be a good idea to chat with your nearby psychiatrist for some short-term help.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of any further queries so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

How to manage sleep issues while working on night shifts?

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