Circadian rhythm

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A circadian rhythm is an approximate daily periodicity, a roughly-24-hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological or behavioural processes of living beings

There is no such thing as rhythm for a person who works night shifts. My body doesn't know when to be awake or when to sleep anymore. Lucky for me, I've always been a night owl. I rarely feel tired at work. I have however been having the worst time sleeping during the day and then again sleeping at night when it's a regular day off.

I worked Sunday night 7pm-7am. Slept 4 hours Monday from 8am-1pm. I didn't feel tired until midnight last night. Then I woke up at 4am. WIDE AWAKE. So here I am blogging at this ungodly hour. What's worse is I work tonight and will only get to nap when (and if) Abby naps today. She has a pediatrician appt first thing Wednesday morning and I don't have a sitter for her, so basically I will have to be up all day tomorrow too until she sleeps. Is it bad that I'm looking forward to her getting shots because she sleeps well after them?

Disruption

Disruption to rhythms usually has a negative effect. Many travelers have experienced the condition known as jet lag, with its associated symptoms of fatigue, disorientation and insomnia.

Disruption to rhythms in the longer term is believed to have significant adverse ealth consequences on peripheral organs outside the brain, particularly in the development or exacerbation of cardiovascular disease. *that means heart attacks*

Shift work, particularly the night shift, has in December 2007 been listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "probable cause" of cancer.

Yes sir, at my job I have the opportunity to get HIV, Hepatitis, MRSA and all sorts of fun stuff. I get verbally abused, occasionally get swung at and spit at. On top of all that, I may be putting myself at risk for cancer. I still wouldn't go back to a cube even if you paid me twice what I make right now!

I guess it's time to see the doctor again to get a little chemical assistance with my sleep. I hate drugs, but I hate feeling like I have jetlag all the time even more.