Shift Work Disorder Case Studies

Sep 13, 2012The Journal of clinical psychiatry

Managing shift work disorder: examples from clinical practice

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Abstract

Shift work disorder (SWD) affects an estimated 10% of individuals working night or rotating shifts.

SWD is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that leads to insomnia and excessive sleepiness.
Consequences of SWD may include accidents, decreased productivity, and depression.
Support from family and treatment of coexisting sleep disorders may help improve sleep and wakefulness in shift workers.
Timing exposure to light and dark, along with melatonin use, could enhance sleep quality for these individuals.
Patients unresponsive to initial treatments may benefit from more aggressive strategies and referral to a sleep specialist.

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Shift work disorder (SWD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by insomnia and excessive sleepiness. SWD, which is estimated to affect 10% of people who work night or rotating shifts, can have serious consequences such as accidents, loss of productivity, and depression. By enlisting the support of family, identifying and treating comorbid sleep disorders, and appropriately timing light and dark exposure (supplemented by melatonin), clinicians can help many shift workers improve their ability to sleep, maintain wakefulness, and possibly decrease other adverse effects of shift work. More aggressive treatment strategies and referral to a sleep specialist should be considered for patients who do not respond to these simple measures.

Shift Work Disorder Case Studies

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