When Should I Talk to My Healthcare Professional About SWD?
You should talk to your doctor if you work night, early morning, or rotating shifts
and experience either excessive sleepiness (ES) or insomnia (difficulty sleeping).
There is no test for diagnosing shift work disorder. Speaking with your physician
about your work schedule and symptoms is the only way to determine if you are experiencing
SWD. Physicians can identify underlying conditions that may be affecting sleep or
wakefulness and determine the best approach to treatment.
SWD is diagnosed when non-traditional work hours lead to ES or insomnia, affect your
work or personal life, and are not caused by any other sleep or medical condition,
medication, or substance.1
If you are concerned about shift work disorder, sign up
to receive more information, a self-assessment tool, and more.
References: 1. American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed, text revision.
Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2000