According to the International Classifications of Sleep Disorders, shift workers are at increased risk for a variety of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases.

Working Shifts: 9 Tips for Better Sleep

If your job requires that you work the night shift or hours other than the traditional 9 to 5, you need to pay close attention to your sleep. These tips can help you get good sleep:

1. Try not to work a number of night shifts in a row.
2. Avoid frequently rotating shifts. If you can’t, it’s easier to adjust to a schedule that rotates from day shift to evening to night rather than the reverse order.
3. Try to avoid long commutes that take time away from sleeping.
4. Keep your workplace brightly lighted to promote alertness.
5. Limit caffeine.
6. Avoid bright light on the way home from work, which will make it easier for you to fall asleep once you hit the pillow.
7. Stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule as much as you can.
8. Ask your family to limit phone calls and visitors during your sleep hours.
9. Use blackout blinds or heavy curtains to block sunlight when you sleep during the day.