ers did. Others have linked shiftwork with problems like heartburn, loss of appetite, diarrhea and constipation (Aanonsen 57). Few shiftworkers escape their years on rotation without experiencing at least one of those symptoms. It is because that they are not eating at traditional meal times, and eat junk food or other snacks that are quick and convenient (Aanonsen 58). Caffeine, the shiftworker's constant companion, and changing meal times from one day to the next may affect gastric secretions, aggravating digestive problems. Sleep disorders, caused by the disruption of circadian rhythm, are a common long-term health effect experienced by shiftworkers. Fatigue can also make a person more vulnerable to illness, poor job performance and sagging motivation (Tasto 26). Because of difficulties getting to sleep or staying awake, shiftworkers may be more likely to suffer from substance abuse. Some may use alcohol or sleeping pills as a tool to help them relax and get to sleep at the end of the shift. Others may find themselves using tobacco or drugs to keep themselves awake and functioning through the day. All these substances can be addictive, and can lead to other health problems such as heart attack, diabetes and elilepsy (Morgan 75). Many of these health effects, both long term and short term, are interconnected. When some or all of them are piled on the shiftworker's shoulders, it may also lead to depression or even nervous breakdown. Shiftwork also has effects on worker's family and social life. Plagued by constant exhaustion and obsessed with getting enough sleep, shiftworker can suffer from high levels of irritability, mood swings and stress. All of these can create complications in family relationships (Simon 343). James Walker suggests that it is common place to talk of "shiftworking as abnormal, night work as unnatural, shift workers as being ioslated" (walker 81). Due to shift work, family rountine may never be able to f...
