wit ake sale next uci Beit! eon thi ine: nd bene MIL apge on vi AUCH “aCe pach] nets “an hon] ed! si Borla iete # hsRay inducted aL f,ey s and thd he ‘en “a 7CiSnr eH <.“A on Tes, 7Ain‘a a oh nene ane ae m1 ‘ts Tracy Naat a a wf of wae oe 3ss Night Shift Workers Plagued By Chronic Sleep Disorder Nationwide Clinical Research Trial Explores Investigational Treatment (NAPSA)—If you workthe night shift and are struggling to pay attention to this article, you maybeeli- who work between the hours of 10 p-m. and 8 a.m.(night shift workers) and female shift workers with an investigational medication for the treatmentof sleepiness associated with chronic shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Symptoms of SWSD include during the night and sleeping during the day is contrary to the body’s natural circadian rhythms—the body’s internal “sleep clock.” The effects of SWSD can range gible for a clinical research trial of excessive sleepiness, insomnia, headaches and difficulty concentrating, leading to on-the-job safety issues and impacting workers’ qualityoflife. SWSD is a condition that affects an estimated 70 percent of the more than 15 million Americansclassified as shift workers by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those most likely to be affected by SWSD are individuals Symptomsof Shift Work Sleep Disorder excessive sleepiness insomnia headaches difficulty concentrating children in the home. Working from mildly annoying to poten- tially deadly. Excessive sleepiness associated with SWSD can increase the risk for work-related injuries, and equipment and automobile accidents. In fact, studies suggest that 20 to 30 percent of individuals working non-tradi- tional work schedules have had a fatigue-related driving mishap. Additionally, sleep-deprived individuals have a tendencyto get sick more frequently than wellrested peers, and are at greater risk for high blood pressure, weight gain and gastrointestinal problems. Together, these factors can result in increased sick days and decreased job productivity. Many shift workers rely on caffeine or untested herbal reme- Risks of Shift Work Sleep Disorder on-the-job injuries automobile accidents high blood pressure weight gain gastrointestinal problems weakened immune system @Q dies to stay awake on the job. Still others self-medicate, using prescription drugs not indicated for SWSD to control their chronic sleepiness. Theclinical research trial will help determine if the investigational medication may be a better solution to improve shift workers’ alertness, work function, and quality of life and sleep. Men and women who have either been diagnosed with chronic SWSD, or who experience excessive sleepiness associated with working night shifts, can call 1-877-NITE-JOB (1-877-648-3562) to find out if they are eligible to participate in this clinical researchtrial. wn ee eee eee a 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.
