Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) occurs in individuals who work nontraditional hours like split shift, graveyard shifts, early morning shifts, or rotating shifts. It's characterized by excessive sleepiness, lack of refreshing sleep, and drowsiness. These symptoms can affect both work and leisure time. The nontraditional work schedule can disrupt a person’s circadian rhythm, or “biological clock.” It regulates wakefulness and sleepiness at relatively set times throughout the 24-hour day. The circadian rhythm can have frustrating symptoms when it’s been thrown off, since it affects. Chronic sleep deprivation can be dangerous and can increase your risk for falling asleep at the wheel or making errors on the job. It can impact your health, including heart health and proper digestive function. It can also increase your risk of cancer. Older workers and female workers are at risk for higher levels of sleep deprivation with this condition