If you work third shift, then you probably understand how it can have a severe effect on your life. However, after some time working these hours, you may feel like your body has adjusted. The reality is that all shift workers in Minnesota are at a disadvantage simply due the hours they work that fall outside the body’s normal cycles.
According to Medical Daily, shift workers are at a higher risk for many short and long-term issues. While you may be more likely to develop chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, you also have to worry about short-term problems. You are more likely to suffer from drowsiness and have issues with sleeping because you are trying to function outside of your body’s normal sleep cycle. This can lead to issues when you get behind the wheel, operate heavy machinery or even just try to go about your normal day. So, even when you are not on the clock, you are at risk of injury and illness simply because of the hours you work.
Driving is a serious concern. Even if you sleep a normal eight hours or so each day, you are not sleeping when your body is designed to sleep. This means you do not enter into the proper state and are not getting the kind of sleep your body needs. This may leave you drowsy or cause issues with focusing, reflexes and other things that impact your ability to drive safely. This immediate risk means you are far more likely to be involved in a traffic accident than if you did not work third shift. This information is for education and is not legal advice.