Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is a sleep disorder that affects employees who work night shifts or any other non-traditional shifts. If your working hours fall outside the typical 9 am to 5 pm bracket, you’re prone to developing SWSD.
The condition develops because it goes against the human body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm). This blog will help you understand how to manage SWSD when you’re an RPN in Canada. Keep reading.
1. Look Out for Signs of SWSD
People with SWSD struggle to acclimatize to their work hours, which results in lack of sleep, intermittent sleep, excessive sleepiness, fatigue, tiredness, lack of energy, headaches, and concentration problems.
They’re prone to making work-related errors, having accidents, developing mood disorders, and becoming irritable. They also suffer from poor coping skills and may develop metabolic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal health issues.
If you’ve been struggling to achieve consistent sleep for 7 hours, you’re at risk of developing SWSD. And if you experience one or more of the symptoms discussed above, there’s a high chance you have SWSD. Once you’ve identified your symptoms, call a doctor at the earliest.
2. Inform Your Nurse Manager
You do not have to suffer in silence. If you’ve developed SWSD, inform your nurse manager at the earliest. They’ll help you take the right course of action. You will be granted leave, and other arrangements will be made to get your physical and mental health back on track.
Help is right around the corner. Make sure you ask for it and put your health and well-being first. If you keep this information to yourself, the situation will exacerbate. The sooner you open up about it, the better.
Recommended Read: Time Management Tips for Nursing Students
3. Speak with a Nursing Mentor
Discussing your condition with a qualified and experienced nursing mentor is an excellent way to get back on track. Priya Basil helps nursing students, RNs, and RPNs overcome nursing-related problems like sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, fatigue, and restlessness, among other common issues.
Discuss your concerns without hesitation. An open, honest, and candid discussion will help you lighten your burden and take the right steps to get back on track.
Priya Basil has helped thousands of talented nursing students pass their nursing exams with flying colors. She also provides guidance, support, and advice to nursing students and practising nurses.
At Modern Tech Nursing (founded by Priya), we’re committed to helping you achieve exam success and kick-start a rewarding, fulfilling, and gratifying nursing career. We help nursing students prepare for a wide range of nursing exams across Ontario, including LPN-NCLEX review, NCLEX-RN, OSCE, jurisprudence exam, and more.
If you want to become a nurse in Canada, we’re here to guide you. Priya Basil helps aspiring nurses study for nursing school using the right game plan. Schedule a consultation with Priya to get started. If you have any questions about our approach, feel free to give us a call. Our team is always happy to help!