{"id":28495,"date":"2017-06-07T00:00:19","date_gmt":"2017-06-07T00:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/restonic.com\/sin-categorizar\/chaos-theory-shiftwork-irregular-bedtimes-wreak-havoc-sleep"},"modified":"2017-06-07T00:00:19","modified_gmt":"2017-06-07T00:00:19","slug":"chaos-theory-shiftwork-irregular-bedtimes-wreak-havoc-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/restonic.com\/es\/blog-es\/chaos-theory-shiftwork-irregular-bedtimes-wreak-havoc-sleep","title":{"rendered":"Chaos Theory: How Shiftwork & Irregular Bedtimes Wreak Havoc On Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WomanThe news isn\u2019t good as research confirms the impact on health<\/h2>\n

There are plenty of reasons to love shift work and the lifestyle that comes with zigging while everyone else is zagging, from skipping rush hour traffic to midnight shopping at 24-hour grocery stores. But for those who work outside the realm of 9 to 5, the serious implications for their overall health might have them pondering a career change. From an increased risk of certain types of cancer to depression, shiftwork may require a shift in thinking and taking extra care in managing the fallout.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s at stake for your health when it comes to shiftwork?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to Sleepfoundation.org<\/a>, the list of possible health problems among shiftworkers is lengthy. It includes: higher rates of heart disease, metabolic issues, gastrointestinal problems, metabolism changes, greater levels of triglycerides, obesity and chronic sleep shortages. And it\u2019s not just physical wellbeing that suffers. It\u2019s mental health, too. Shiftwork has a social cost, which causes some workers to feel out of step with everyone else, which can result in less happiness.<\/p>\n

On the job, employees working non-daytime hours can experience slower reaction times (not good especially when operating machinery or driving), poorer concentration and less effective problem solving, too. Not surprisingly, the news doesn\u2019t get any better in regard to sleep. Shiftwork sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm<\/a> sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness, insomnia, chaotic sleep schedules, difficulties with personal relationships, irritability and depression. The culprit is the disruption of circadian rhythms. The natural rhythm of the human biological clock that dictates the sleep-wake cycle and other functions does not like to be upset and the body will fight to stay on track. On average, shiftworkers sleep 2 to 4 hours less than everyone else. That\u2019s more than enough to mess with their health.<\/p>\n

Blame the cavemen for the sleep problems…<\/h2>\n

Since prehistoric times and the arrival of humans on earth, our activities have been entwined with our exposure to sunlight \u2013 and the absence of it. When the stars came out, it was time to slip into your cave and cover yourself up in animal skins for warmth and, consequently, sleep. The internal clock<\/a> is hardwired. The body functions fine and dandy when we go with that flow, but there\u2019s a price to be paid when we go against it, like, say with shiftwork. Your body does not want to sleep when the sun is shining and tells you to get into bed come nighttime.<\/p>\n

Successful strategies for managing shiftwork & sleep\"Man<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not as simple as avoiding it. The world doesn\u2019t stop after five o\u2019clock. While that\u2019s understood, it\u2019s important to safeguard your health. Here\u2019s how, according to UCLA Sleep Disorders Center<\/a>:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n