What Causes Shift-Work Sleep Disorder?
Shift work can be tough on the body, because the hours vary so much. But throw in some of the other factors shift workers face, and it can be downright unhealthy. The main reason certain shift workers develop health problems is because their normal sleep-wake cycle is disrupted. The sleep-wake cycle is controlled by a section of the brain called the circadian clock. This tiny group of brain cells controls the release of a hormone called melatonin. When this hormone is released in the body, you become tired and sleepy. Our circadian clock is built to release melatonin when the sun sets and it becomes dark outside. In the morning, the circadian clock reacts to light by suppressing melatonin production—helping you to wake up. So, shift workers need to fight the effects of melatonin on the job—when it’s dark. And, when they get home and try to sleep, their bodies don’t release melatonin because it’s light. The usual result is poor sleep. Sometimes the effects of shift work can lead to a di
