Should I see my GP about a possible sleeping condition?

Question

Hi all,

I don't know if i should see my GP, or if this is normal sleep behaviour. But, please read on...

I used to work day shifts where I done 9-6 except 2 times every 4 weeks I done a 7:30 - 16:30, and 2 times every 4 weeks I done 11:30 - 20:30. I struggle to get to sleep in general as I work with PC's all day every day. This as far as sleep goes is bad enough.

Now I've been moved into a 4 on 4 off rota. I now do 4 days 8:00 - 20:00, 4 off, then 4 nights, 20:00 - 8:00. These 12 hour shifts in the day kill me and I get about 5 hours sleep every night, wake up shattered, then have to ride a motorbike the next morning.

The first set of night shifts I done, I got around 3 hours sleep between the shifts, as my body finds it impossible to sleep in the day. My first set of 4 night shifts I got 11 hours sleep total. So i get less than 3 hours sleep between shifts. Sleeping pills don't work either by the way.

I cannot for the love of god sleep in the day - whatever I try. when I do it's for an hour or so, then i wake up shattered. I fall asleep again for about an hour and 1 bit, then wake again, feel shattered, but can't sleep.

It's taking a serious toll on my health, and when I get so little sleep, I'm riding a motorcycle home, with little sleep. What's to say I don't fall asleep whilst riding?

Should I see my GP in case I have some sleeping condition??

ChaoticDerpy · Accepted Answer

The reason why you're have a sleeping problem is apparent based on the details you provide. It is attributed to a completely random sleep cycle due to your nature of your work. Our bodies rest through sleep but it can only truly does so if it is able to sleep for 7-8 hours continuously and uninterrupted. Seeing your work's schedule is mostly shift-based, I do not blame you for having difficulty to fall asleep at any time of the day naturally since your body does not have a schedule to follow. Hence, you can only fall asleep when you get really tired. Not only that, it is proven that fatigue caused by stress and anxiety can lead to trouble falling asleep as well. You cannot fall asleep in the day because light inhibits production of a certain sleep-regulating hormone in your body, so it's completely natural.

Personally, I do not think you have a sleeping problem, medically or genetically. Rather, your work schedule is completely trashing it. If you have trouble falling asleep, try sleep aids. I'm not talking about pills, but the more natural ones. 1 hour before going to sleep, switch off all light sources in your room, including those from your computer and phones as they can interfere with your body's sleep initiation. Also, you can brew yourself a glass of warm milk or some herbal teas such as chamomile or valerian root with honey. If you have difficulty relaxing, try listening to sleep music, usually coming in the form of soothing or ambience music.

If you feel that this does not help you, I would recommend seeing a specialist to help. Your local GP will not be of much help, trust me. You should instead see a sleep clinic (your local hospitals should have them) to seek help.

john · Answer

I agree with Lyora. Here are my tricks to sleeping during the day. 1. Drive home with dark shades. 2. I eat light foods like fruits and yuguart to get my digestion working. 3. NO coffee after 0200. 4. Turn off the ringers on all phones and tell ppl not to call me. 5. I have a sign on the door---no not knock or ring bell. 6. Room darkening drapes. 6. The bedroom has to be cool...like 70 degrees. 7. ear plugs and eye cover. 8. Then I use a time release Melatonin along with an aspirin to sleep and get rid of irritating pains.

Should I see my GP about a possible sleeping condition?

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