This blog was written by Lisa Larkin. Meet our blogging fitness specialists at the NIFS website.
Shift work is anything outside of the normal 8am to 5pm workday. Millions of Americans perform shift work. If you are a shift worker, your health could be in jeopardy.
Effects of Shift Work on Employee Health
Working nights or inconsistent shifts affects your sleep pattern. And, when you are tired or stressed you tend to eat poorly. Being overweight can lead to a lot of other health issues including depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Even most corporate fitness centers open early in the morning, so the personal trainers/wellness staff are not always on a good sleep pattern, either. Working in a corporate fitness center myself, I have some early mornings. When my sleep pattern isn’t consistent I tend to be more tired, have less energy, and make poor food choices.
Tips for Lessening the Health Impact of Shift Work
If you are one of the millions of shift workers, try to take naps less than an hour in length to catch up on some rest. Buy fresh vegetables and fruits to have some healthy snacks on hand at home and at work. Visit your onsite fitness center to relive some stress and help yourself wake up on breaks.
We all have to make a conscious effort to get more rest and make the healthy choice.