Shift work sleep disorder (SWD)

shift work sleep disorder (SWD)

Also known as shift work disorder or shift work type, the International Classification of Sleep Disorders defines the diagnosis of Shift Work Disorder based on four specific criteria:

1. there is a complaint of insomnia or excessive sleepiness that is temporally associated with a recurring work schedule that overlaps the usual time for sleep
   
   
2. the symptoms are associated with the shift work schedule over the course of at least 1 month
   
   
3. sleep log or actigraphy monitoring (with sleep diaries) for at least 7 days demonstrate disturbed circadian and sleep-time misalignment
   
   
4. the sleep disturbance is not better explained by another current sleep disorder, medical or neurological disorder, mental disorder, medication use, or substance use disorder (1,2)

Prevalence of SWD is unknown. It is thought to be between 10-23% in rotating shift and night shift workers.

Reference:

• (1) Akerstedt T, Wright KP Jr. Sleep Loss and Fatigue in Shift Work and Shift Work Disorder. Sleep Med Clin. 2009;4(2):257-271.
• (2) Kecklund G, Axelsson J. Health consequences of shift work and insufficient sleep. BMJ. 2016;355:i5210.