Unfortunately, with busy lives and long work hours, we can often find ourselves running out of time to even sleep! Sleep is important for our well-being, but we also need to work to make a living, which means finding a proper balance can be quite a challenge.
People in roles that require 24 hour service, such as police officers, hotel staff and hospital nurses, can frequently be required to keep a timetable that is outside regular hours, which means having to sleep during the morning or afternoon when the rest of the world is awake! This can lead to difficulties catching an adequate number of Zs.
Sound familiar?
Shift workers often find it difficult to get to sleep during the day due to unfavourable conditions such as sunlight, noise, distractions and temperature, and as a result, are 60% more likely to suffer from sleep disorders1.
This ongoing sleep deprivation unfortunately may have an impact on performance in the short-term and productivity in the long term2.
Shift workers may often find it difficult to balance sleep, work and life commitments.. However, because getting enough restful sleep is so important, here are five tips to help you get a better sleep, no matter what time of day.
While shift work can throw off your sleep-wake cycle, getting enough quality sleep should still be a priority.
References:
[1] Health Navigator, New Zealand. ‘Long Hours and Shift Work’. <https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/sleep/long-hours-shift-work/>. Accessed 18 June, 2017.
[2] Work Safe, NZ Government. ‘Managing shift work to minimise workplace fatigue.’ <http://www.worksafe.govt.nz/worksafe/information-guidance/all-guidance-items/managing-shift-work-to-minimise-workplace-fatigue-a-guide-for-employers/managing-shiftwork-fatigue-employers-07.pdf>. Accessed 18 June, 2017.
[3] The Australian. ‘For a better night’s sleep, you’ve got to really work on that core (temperature)’. Feb 2016. <http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/health-wellbeing/for-a-better-nights-sleep-youve-got-to-really-work-on-that-core-temperature/news-story/34fa8c4fa2a795d0cc447cabc24d9606>. Accessed 16 June 2017.