Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Shift work sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that occurs due to a work schedule that takes place during the normal sleep period. This schedule requires you to work when your body wants to sleep. Then you have to try to sleep when your body expects to be awake.

The timing of when you sleep and wake is much different than what your internal body clock expects. This clock controls the "circadian rhythms" in your body. The word "circadian" means to occur in a cycle of about 24 hours. These rhythms make you feel sleepy or alert at regular times every day. Your internal clock tells your body when it is time to sleep at night. It also tells your body when it is time to be awake during the day. Among other factors, your clock is "set" by your exposure to sunlight.