Night shift working

[zoobsmum]

Hi I have been offered a job that entails me working 2 x 12 hr shifts at night . Can anyone tell me if this will interfere with my medication I'm currently on 75 one day and 100 the next of Levothyroxine.

Thanks

[JAGL]

If one can take levo in the am or before bed as some do, and you take it at regular times, regardless of your schedule, that should not be a problem.

Each one of us has different sleep patterns and needs.

I tried a shift like that some years ago but could not handle it. My breathing and heart beat became irregular, digestion difficult, emotionally it was trying too. The doctor explained that the 'best' surgeons are those who can get by on 4-5 hours of sleep and function optimally. I was obviously not one of those people; I need more and more regular sleep. This doctor gave my symptoms a name: sleep deprivation and added in passing that in some contexts it is used as a form of 'torture'.

[zoobsmum in reply to JAGL]

Thanks

[Saggyuk]

I don't think it would interfere with your medication as such even if you may want to change the time you take it but from personal experience, even the 100% healthy with no metabolism/thyroid issues and perfect circadium rhythm sometimes have problems with night shift work - look up shift work sleep disorder which is thought to possibly cause higher risk of ulcers, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease. These risks are supposedly more likely in irregular shift work.

Purely as my own personal opinion, I would not mess with my body and signals further than it already is especially if having the additional risk of leaving a day job for it. If you are currently not working, I suppose you could give it a go as you might find you're okay with it

[zoobsmum]

Thanks I am having second thoughts as it is likely to be different days each week so getting into a routine would be difficult. I also struggle with tiredness so maybe 12hr shifts are not for me .