Shift Work Sleep Disorder Treatment

Maintain a strict sleep-wake schedule. Keeping the same schedule, even on days off from work, is the ideal way to synchronize your brain’s internal clock with the desired external schedule. Although it is sometimes not possible to maintain the same schedule on days off, you should avoid frequently rotating shifts. The more the schedule shifts, the more difficult your brain’s internal circadian clock will have in adapting to the schedule, and the more insomnia or excessive sleepiness you will experience.

  •  Avoid bright light exposure prior to going to bed since it will decrease your ability to sleep.
  • Darken the bedroom and adjust the bedroom temperature to simulate nighttime.
  • Unplug the telephone and eliminate other potential distractions as much as possible.
  • Avoid caffeine for at least five hours before bedtime
  • Avoid exercising within at least three hours of bedtime.
  • Do not drive a motor vehicle if excessively sleepy.
  • Nap before driving home, if possible, if you are excessively sleepy.
  • Car pool, if possible, and have the most alert person do the driving.
  • Consider taking public transportation if available.
  • Wear sunglasses at the end of the shift when driving home if there is sunlight and you wish to sleep when getting home.
  • Take short breaks throughout your shift to break up monotony.
  • Exercise during breaks if possible.
  • Try to work with a partner since conversation can keep you more alert.
  • Don’t leave the most boring tasks for the end of your shift since this is when you feel most drowsy.
  • Avoid caffeine-containing products, especially during the second half of the night shift before going home.