Gone are the days of going to work in the morning and returning home in the evening. Nowadays the environment of working at any time of the day has evolved in a 24×7 environment. When big factories appeared in our country, shift work came into practice. Advances in information technology have made it possible to work at all hours of the day. The working hours of the IT employees are according to the nationality for which they work is determined.
Knowing that this is contrary to normal physiological functions, we are forced to work at night when we should be able to sleep without any other option.
This shift work causes the problem of 'sleep work disorder'. This causes many physical ailments. Many complications occur including heart disease.
All working hours other than 6 am - 7 pm lead to sleep disorders.
Nature and Human Body:
Nature and our bodies are closely related. The human body can be called a scientific treasury. When the sun shines during the day, the retina of the eyes sense the sunlight and inform the brain, and the brain secretes a hormone called cortisol, which keeps us awake during the day.
At night, the sun goes down and the pleasant moonlight triggers the release of another hormone called melatonin, which lulls us into a sleepy state. What are the problems faced when our body, which is in tune with nature, changes to a 24x7 working mode?
Mental Health: Lack of proper sleep can lead to impatience and irritability in handling work. Researchers report that people who work night shifts are less likely to talk to their co-workers, and those who regularly work night shifts are less likely to spend time with their families. Such changes affect mental health more than health. It is best to seek immediate treatment for psychiatric problems caused by sleep deprivation.
Job Performance:
Change in working hours reduces productivity at work. Distraction occurs. The ability to remember important things decreases and forgetfulness increases. Overall work efficiency is affected.
Accident:
Employees working in factories are more prone to accidents if this type of disorder occurs. It also causes errors in the work. There is a possibility of an accident while driving. Statistics show that most road accidents occur between 12 midnight and 6 am.
Health problems:
A good night's sleep is essential for good health. Thus, the list of health problems caused by sleep disorders starts from stomach problems to diabetes.
Changes in blood flow in the body, increase in blood sugar levels, metabolic disorders, decreased immunity, weight gain, heart disease, and changes in hormone secretion occur in many physiological disorders.
It is noted here that researchers have confirmed through various studies that people who work at night are more likely to suffer from stress, heart disease, asthma, etc.
Drug Addiction:
Due to lack of sleep, many people become addicted to alcohol or drugs. However, doctors say that consuming too much alcohol can affect sleep.
What can be done?
Better if you could avoid night work. However, choose the working hours according to your health. Some people have a habit of waking up at night. They are night birds. Such people can opt for night work.
Many countries in Europe allow factory workers to choose their own working hours. Similarly, if you get an opportunity in the company you work for, you can take advantage of it.
If you wake up at night, you should sleep for at least two hours. It has been scientifically confirmed that our body should be in a horizontal (bed) position from 1 am to 4 am.
So, if you can't avoid night work, take a few hours off between work. Moreover, you should make it a habit to sleep at the same time every day.
Rest your eyes for a few minutes even when you feel tired.
Drink coffee and tea in moderation to stay alert. Eat easily digestible foods at night.
Due to night work, you may have to sleep during the day. Due to this many people skip mid-day meals. Try to eat lunch as much as possible.
When working at night, ensure that the office environment is well-lit. When there is good light, the information goes to the brain through the eyes and makes the body aware. The light in the room should be high and the computer screen light should be low.
Make sure your room is dim and dark when sleeping during the day. Make sure the room temperature is also moderate. At least 7 to 8 hours of sleep, proper diet and exercise are essential for good health.
Many people face sleep disorders due to the use of electronic devices like computers and cell phones. Due to office work, the use of both has become a necessity in most people's lives. But the blue light emitted from these causes damage to the retina in the eyes and prevents sleep. Blue light-blocking glasses are now in use to minimize these problems. Wearing these types of glasses while using the computer and mobile phone is good for the eyes. You can get a good sleep. Wearing blue light-blocking glasses can improve sleep, work engagement, and work performance. It has also been confirmed through research that it helps to improve.
Money is necessary to meet basic needs in life. Although we go to work to develop our knowledge and achieve personal growth, most of us go to work for money and basic needs. Physical health should also be given importance because a picture can only be painted if there is a wall. It is very important to ensure that physical health is not affected by shift work.
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