A Healthy Shift | The Shift Work Podcast

[230] - I’ve Been Up for 16 Hours and I'm Still Expected to Function?


Listen Later

Text me what you thought of the show 😊

Shift work can leave you absolutely drained, especially after grueling 16-hour shifts. But did you know that fatigue from these extended hours can impair your cognitive function to a level comparable to having a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration? This means slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and a foggy brain. Yikes!

In today’s episode, I’m uncovering the critical mistake that many shift workers make when trying to recover—the dreaded "sleep-in." You might think it’s the solution to catching up on rest, but it’s actually throwing off your circadian rhythm and making recovery harder.

Tune in to discover 6 evidence-based recovery strategies that can help you bounce back faster, perform better, and avoid burnout. These simple yet powerful tips are backed by science and over three decades of real-world experience in demanding shift environments. From nutrition and hydration to the perfect 20-minute power nap, I’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sleep Consistency is Key: Why maintaining a regular sleep pattern—even with limited rest—will help your circadian rhythm recover faster.
  • Master the Power Nap: The best time to nap for maximum energy and cognitive function.
  • Nutrition & Hydration Tips: Simple food choices and hydration strategies that support recovery after long shifts.
  • Micro-Movements Matter: Small bursts of activity that can help you shake off fatigue and boost your energy.
  • Leverage 90-Minute Sleep Cycles: How to use your body’s natural sleep cycles to get better rest and recovery.
  • Meal Timing & Light Exposure: How small adjustments can dramatically improve your recovery process.

Are you ready to recover smarter, not harder? Hit subscribe now and unlock the game-changing strategies that will help you thrive through your shifts, not just survive them.

Don’t miss out on the tools to take control of your health and performance—tune in now!

Support the show

----------------------------

Roger Sutherland is Australia's Night Shift & Sleep Specialist and the founder of A Healthy Shift.

After more than 40 years working rotating shifts with Victoria Police, Roger now helps organisations reduce fatigue risk, improve staff wellbeing and build healthier, safer and higher-performing 24/7 workplaces through evidence-based education, circadian biology and the Shift Work Champions™ Framework.

Shift Work Champions™: https://join.ahealthyshift.com/shift-work-capability

Website: https://ahealthyshift.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-sutherland

Instagram: @a_healthy_shift

___________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional.  Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

A Healthy Shift | The Shift Work PodcastBy Roger Sutherland | Founder, A Healthy Shift | Night Shift & Sleep Specialist | Shift Work Educator

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

12 ratings


More shows like A Healthy Shift | The Shift Work Podcast

View all
Stuff You Should Know by iHeartPodcasts

Stuff You Should Know

78,636 Listeners

Order of Man by Ryan Michler

Order of Man

8,914 Listeners

Mamamia Out Loud by Mamamia Podcasts

Mamamia Out Loud

570 Listeners

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard by Armchair Umbrella

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

69,540 Listeners

She's On The Money by Victoria Devine

She's On The Money

136 Listeners

Zero Limits Podcast by Matty Morris

Zero Limits Podcast

42 Listeners

Two Broke Chicks by Alex Hourigan and Sally McMullen

Two Broke Chicks

29 Listeners

ZOE Science & Nutrition by ZOE

ZOE Science & Nutrition

2,040 Listeners

everybody has a secret by Shameless Media

everybody has a secret

186 Listeners

Handsome by Headgum

Handsome

13,636 Listeners

The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast by Mike Carunchio

The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast

211 Listeners

The Case Of by ABC Australia

The Case Of

239 Listeners

unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver by Audacy | Mary Claire Haver, MD

unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

1,211 Listeners

Diagnosing Murder by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald

Diagnosing Murder

3 Listeners