Jet Lag and Shift Work Disorder

Kathryn J Reid; Sabra M Abbott

doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2015.08.006

Jet Lag and Shift Work Disorder

Sleep Med Clin. 2015 Dec;10(4):523-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2015.08.006. Epub 2015 Sep 26.

Authors

Kathryn J Reid¹, Sabra M Abbott²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Lakeshore Drive, Room 522, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Electronic address: k-reid@northwestern.edu.
² Department of Neurology, Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Lakeshore Drive, Room 524, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

PMID: 26568127
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2015.08.006

Abstract

Jet lag and shift work disorder are circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders resulting from behaviorally altering the sleep-wake schedule in relation to the external environment. Not everyone who experiences trans-meridian travel or performs shift work has a disorder. The prevalence of jet lag disorder is unclear, approximately 5%-10% of shift workers have shift work disorder. Treatment aims to realign the internal circadian clock with the external environment. Behavioral therapies include sleep hygiene and management of the light-dark and sleep schedule. Pharmacologic agents are used to treat insomnia and excessive sleepiness, and melatonin is used to facilitate sleep and circadian realignment.

Keywords: Circadian misalignment; Irregular schedules; Jet lag; Night work; Shift work; Sleep loss; Transmeridian travel.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Jet Lag Syndrome / physiopathology
Jet Lag Syndrome / therapy*
Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / physiopathology
Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / therapy*