Traveling nurses are often at risk of developing Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) due to the number of non-traditional hours that they work. The constant rotation of shifts and varied sleeping hours interrupts the body's natural Circadian rhythm and makes adjusting to the new schedule difficult for many people.
SWSD symptoms include insomnia, memory impairment, excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, depression, headaches, increase in accidents and a lack of energy. Shift workers face a variety of potential health problems related to the stress lack of sleep can have on the body. Those who suffer from SWSD have a higher risk of ulcers, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and obesity than their nine-to-five counterparts.
However, unless schedule changing is an option, many travel nurses must learn to accommodate the varied sleep cycle of the profession.
Here are a few tips for creating better sleeping habits to avoid SWSD.
1) Avoid taking multiple night shifts in a row. The best rule of thumb is to have less than five during the work week, with days off and long periods of respite. If not, a traveling nurse will become progressively more sleep-deprived. Being treated by sleep-deprived nurses is not in the best interest of the patient, the hospital or the nurse. Talk to your recruiter if the shifts become too difficult.
2) Keep the commute time as short as possible. It takes time away from sleeping, and these conditions can lead to accidents.
3) Only consume caffeine during the first half of a shift. The later a nurse drinks soda or coffee, the later she will push back the possibility of falling asleep. Caffeine will affect the body hours after consumption, so don't let that third black coffee become too appealing by the end of a shift.
4) Create a sleep haven in the bedroom. Invest in blackout or heavy curtains, turn off bright reflecting lights from alarm clocks and remove electronic distraction from the room.
SWSD affects thousands of workers during the course of a year. Travel nurses should avoid falling into shift traps and creating a cycle of sleep deprivation. A well-rested nurse can pay greater attention to the details that make her job a satisfying experience and enjoy the new locations her contract brings her to.