The Time Traveler

I routinely scan the newspapers and magazines to discover the latest findings and issues for shiftworkers. Most of the time, though, what I find are the same questions, same challenges, and same frustrations among shiftworkers who valiantly struggle against the odds of finding the routine for them that allows life to be lived, not merely endured.

For instance, I read about the hotel desk worker on the night shift who finds himself face to face with stressful situations caused by his night-owl clientele. A Wal-Mart employee summed up a similar situation in explaining that there are a lot more hookers and alcoholics around when she's on her graveyard shift.

Still others are struggling with child care issues, lack of socialization, marital problems, health difficulties, and weight gain.

If I had a magic pill, I'd share it and help a lot of people. Unfortunately, I can only come up with some ideas, which may help a few. But undeterred as I am, this installment addresses the issue of routinization. Setting a routine is not a cure all, but studies suggest that those who are better organized fare much better that those who are always on the defensive, trying to adjust to things spontaneously. See our article titled, "Disciplined People."

Not long ago, I was asked for input from a reader of "Prevention" magazine who had experienced a 30-pound weight gain while being on the night shift for only a short time. This is a common, and typical question.

I responded to the folks at "Prevention" with some reasons for this phenomenon, and suggested some times of the day this person could eat a wholesome meal and maybe squeeze in a little exercise at the same time. (Yes, I know. It's a lot easier to sit and write about it instead of actually working it into a daily routine.) If you are interested, the following is the gist of what I said.

"For most of us, our gastrointestinal system is designed to digest food sometime between 7 and 9 am, 12 and 2 pm, and 6 and 8 pm which corresponds to a typical day worker's meal pattern. ("Occupational Hazards," Sept 2000; Karen Sarkis). If we consume meals (especially non-healthy meals) outside of these times, it may overtax the digestive system, adversely affecting energy levels and metabolism. This may be the cause of weight gain among night shift workers.

If your reader needs an energy boost while at work, I recommend consuming only light snacks that will help keep her alert and healthy. A good rule of thumb is to avoid sugar, salt, animal fat and processed white flour. Also avoid greasy and spicy food, and excessive consumption of caffeine."

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