How the Circadian Rhythm Affects Sleep, Wakefulness, and Overall Health
How the body’s internal clock influences sleep, wakefulness, and health, related to shift work disorder
AI simplified
Abstract
An estimated 15 to 25% of the U.S. labor force works non-traditional shifts that may disrupt their circadian rhythm.
- Non-traditional work schedules can lead to disruptions in the body's natural biological clock.
- These disruptions are associated with a sleep disorder known as shift work disorder.
- Shift work disorder is characterized by insomnia during necessary sleep times and excessive sleepiness during waking hours.
- There is a need for more information on how circadian rhythms affect human functioning and the pathophysiology of shift work disorder.
- Increased awareness could help clinicians recognize and diagnose shift work disorder more effectively.
AI simplified