A Sleep Survival Guide for Shift Workers

Practical, evidence-based strategies for protecting sleep and alertness when you work nights or rotating shifts.

In preparation. This article has not been written yet. The outline below shows the sections it will cover once it has been written and medically reviewed.

How shift work disrupts sleep and alertness

Content pending editorial review.

Using light exposure strategically

Content pending editorial review.

Scheduling sleep around your shifts

Content pending editorial review.

Strategic napping before and during shifts

Content pending editorial review.

Timing caffeine without hurting your sleep

Content pending editorial review.

Staying safe on the commute home

Content pending editorial review.

Protecting sleep on your days off

Content pending editorial review.

When ongoing problems are worth a clinical evaluation

Content pending editorial review.

Sources

Content pending editorial review.

By Mike Cowan, DO
Medically reviewed by Mike Cowan, DO