Category Archives: Health
Caffeine Update: Grab Another Cup of Coffee!
There is more good news for shift workers who rely on caffeine to keep alert while working their unique hours. A panel of experts submitted an advisory report to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and … Continue reading
Take a breath and relax….
So begins an article by Sumathi Reddy published in the Wall Street Journal earlier this week. How many times have you been given or have you given that advice over the years? Did you know that behind that simple phrase … Continue reading
The Benefits of Walking with Friends
How do you handle stress? Would you like to improve your emotional and mental health? The findings of a new large scale study conducted by the University of Michigan suggest that taking a walk, getting out in nature and being … Continue reading
Less Might Be More
Good news for shift workers! The Wall Street Journal is reporting that recent sleep studies have found that 7 hours is the optimal amount of sleep, not 8 as were recommended in the past. One study showed that cognitive performance … Continue reading
Drink That Coffee!
Last year Working Nights published a blog post, the Benefits of Coffee. It described the results of studies where scientists linked coffee drinking to a reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, oral cancer, the most … Continue reading
Reducing Injuries From Falls
Falls occur throughout the world at an amazing rate. According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide. In the United States, the National Safety Council reports that falls are … Continue reading
New Year’s Resolutions
Happy New Year! For many of us, this is often the time of year when, after having made New Year’s resolutions, we begin to slide and eventually, go back to our old undesirable ways. One proof of this is evident … Continue reading
Is There a Link between Sleep and Alzheimer’s Disease?
Last month we wrote about a new study that described how the brain cleans itself as we sleep by flushing out the toxins accumulated during our waking hours. We noted that the results of this study are of great … Continue reading
Sleep Cleans Our Brains!
Sleep, that often elusive (especially for shift workers) yet essential part of all of our lives, is in the news again because of a new study published in the journal Science last week. Scientists at the University of Rochester have … Continue reading
Is a seaweed flake the new potato chip?
This is the question asked in a recent article published in the Wall Street Journal. More people are snacking than ever before while, at the same time, more people want to eat better. Is it possible to munch on snack … Continue reading
Leave Your Stress at Work!
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that forthcoming research from the Academy of Management Journal will show that workers reported lower stress levels at the end of their work day/night after spending a few minutes jotting down positive events … Continue reading
Fun in the Sun
Ahhh ……the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer….. blue skies, hot sun! As we spend more time outside playing, exercising and working we must keep in mind how dangerous the heat can be if precautions are not taken. Dehydration and … Continue reading
Is the Restless Legs Mystery Solved?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a subject of concern to shift workers because it often disrupts their already limited hours of sleep. It is a disorder that causes a strong urge to move your legs, usually when you are sleeping … Continue reading
The Health Benefits of Coffee
Concerned about having that second or third cup of coffee? Recent studies indicate that maybe you shouldn’t be! An article in the June 9th issue of the New York Times Magazine describes the notable health benefits of moderate (3-4 5 ounce … Continue reading
Can lost sleep be recovered?
We all know that sleep deficit is a constant problem for many shift workers. And we also know that having a sleep debt impacts every faction of our lives. So the debate continues – what is the best way to … Continue reading