How Shift Work and Sleep Deprivation are Linked

Many of my previous blogs have mentioned the importance of six to eight hours of sleep per night in maintaining good general health.  Our lives nowadays can be active 24/7, it seems, with the communication tools of emails, twitter, facebook and the never ending news cycle.

It turns out that there is evidence in the medical literature regarding the risks for many chronic conditions due to insufficient sleep and here is a link to a great article in Chemotherapy Advisor about circadian rhythms, melatonin, and cancer risk:  www.chemotherapyadvisor.com/association-of-shift-work-and-sleep-deprivation-with-increased-cancer-risk.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Getting Enough Sleep

Insomnia is a disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, or both.  It's common with insomnia to take 30 minutes or more to fall asleep and get six or fewer hours of sleep for three or more nights a week.  There are different ways it may affect a person besides difficulty falling asleep or awakening during the night:  awakening too early, not feeling well rested, daytime fatigue or sleepiness, depression or anxiety, poor focus, increased errors or accidents, tension headaches or digestive symptoms.

Stress can keep your mind active at night.  Anxiety can be disruptive.  Medications may contain stimulants.  Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants.  Alcohol prevents deeper stages of sleep.  Pain, breathing difficulties, frequent urination and other medical conditions promote insomnia.  Hormonal shifts make women more likely than men to suffer from insomnia.  It also increases with age.  Changing sleep habits and addressing any underlying causes of insomnia can restore restful sleep for many people.  Good sleep hygiene--simple steps such as keeping the same bedtime and arising time--promotes sound sleep and daytime alertness.  If these measures don't work, your doctor may recommend medications on a short time basis.  

For more information, go to MayoClinic.com 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309