subject: Finding A Cure For Shift Work Insomnia [print this page] One of the increasingly prevalent sleep problems these days is "shift work sleep disorder." With a growing number of people having to work shifts in the 24-hour global economy, there are more and more instances of people having to hunt for a sleep remedy for insomnia that results from the changes in their sleep patterns. One might think that a person who has to work all night should be tired enough that they have no trouble sleeping during the day, but that's simply not the case. Night workers routinely get less sleep in the day than day workers do at night.
What's behind the necessity to find a treatment for insomnia is the fact that the body has a natural rhythm, called the circadian rhythm, which tells it to shut down and sleep in the dark, and be alert and active during the day. When a person throws his or her work schedule upside down, or constantly switches it back and forth, then it's no wonder why their body gets confused. A person may be completely exhausted, yet the body can't let down and sleep. And then they go hunting desperately for a sleep remedy.
For this reason, people might try natural cures for insomnia, such as chamomile or lemon grass tea, just as soon as they get home. They can help themselves by coming home as quickly as they can when their shift ends, to make their exposure to the morning light as short as possible. They might also try natural remedies like meditating for a few minutes just before going to bed, or having a warm bath.
Doing regular exercise during the night, along with eating three regular meals during working hours can also contribute because these things help keep the person on a healthy schedule. Bad eating habits exacerbate insomnia, and night shift workers are notorious for not eating properly.
Shift workers who never alter from a night shift have an easier time than those who switch back and forth every two weeks or so. But both can suffer from a degree of insomnia and need a sleep remedy from time to time. They may try natural remedies or even resort to insomnia medication, though this should always be in consultation with a doctor. But their need for medical intervention can be reduced if they try to retain healthy living habits during their waking hours, even if those hours are backwards from everyone else's.
