OF HEALTH
Night Shift Workers Plagued By Chronic Sleep Disorder
Nationwide Clinical Research Trial Explores Investigational Treatment
(NAPSA)—If you work the night who work between the hours of 10
shift and are struggling to pay atten- p.m. and 8 a.m. (night shift work- Risks of Shift Work Sleep Disorder
tion to this article, you may be eli- ers) and female shift workers with • on-the-job injuries
gible for a clinical research trial of children in the home. Working
an investigational medication for during the night and sleeping • automobile accidents
the treatment of sleepiness associ- during the day is contrary to the • high blood pressure
ated with chronic shift work sleep body’s natural circadian rhy-
• weight gain
disorder (SWSD). thms—the body’s internal “sleep
Symptoms of SWSD include clock.” • gastrointestinal problems
excessive sleepiness, insomnia, The effects of SWSD can range • weakened immune system
headaches and difficulty concen- from mildly annoying to poten-
trating, leading to on-the-job tially deadly. Excessive sleepiness dies to stay awake on the job.
safety issues and impacting work- associated with SWSD can Still others self-medicate, using
ers’ quality of life. increase the risk for work-related prescription drugs not indicated
SWSD is a condition that injuries, and equipment and auto- for SWSD to control their chronic
affects an estimated 70 percent of mobile accidents. In fact, studies sleepiness. The clinical research
the more than 15 million Ameri- suggest that 20 to 30 percent of trial will help determine if the
cans classified as shift workers by individuals working non-tradi- investigational medication may
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statis- tional work schedules have had a be a better solution to improve
tics. Those most likely to be fatigue-related driving mishap. shift workers’ alertness, work
affected by SWSD are individuals Additionally, sleep-deprived function, and quality of life and
individuals have a tendency to get sleep.
Symptoms of Shift Work sick more frequently than well- Men and women who have
Sleep Disorder rested peers, and are at greater either been diagnosed with
risk for high blood pressure, chronic SWSD, or who experi-
• excessive sleepiness weight gain and gastrointestinal ence excessive sleepiness asso-
• insomnia problems. Together, these factors ciated with working night
can result in increased sick days shifts, can call 1-877-NITE-JOB
• headaches and decreased job productivity. (1-877-648-3562) to find out if
• difficulty concentrating Many shift workers rely on they are eligible to participate
caffeine or untested herbal reme- in this clinical research trial.
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Note to Editors: The following cities have SWSD clinical trials: Atlanta; Birmingham, AL; Boston; Charlotte, NC;
Chicago; Cincinnati; Columbia, SC; Dayton; Detroit; Hattiesburg, MS; Houston; La Jolla/San Diego; Las Vegas; Los Angeles;
New York; Philadelphia; Providence, RI; San Jose, CA; St. Louis, MO; St. Petersburg, FL; Toledo.