Analysis
Night shifts – strategies to help you sleep better
Many nursing staff work in shifts, including night shifts. Shift work can disrupt the body clock and lead to poor sleep cycles, which can adversely affect health. Health problems associated with shift work include coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and weight gain. There are lifestyle strategies to help cope with night shifts including sleep routines, staying hydrated and being active during a shift.
Many nurses work in shifts, including nights. Shift work disrupts the body clock and sleep, and can adversely affect health, but there are strategies to help
Shift work and nurse well-being: how to combat the health risks
Words: Flavia Munn, editor, Nursing Standard
Graphics: Sujata Aurora, designer
