Digestive problems and weight gain. Some studies have found that shift workers suffer significantly more upset stomachs, ulcers, and bouts of constipation and indigestion than do day workers. Stress on relationships. Night and rotating shift workers often find that trivial matters, such as responsibilities over loading the dishwasher, can easily erupt into full-blown arguments. Drug or alcohol abuse.
Many shift workers resort to prescription and nonprescription drugs.
They use sleeping pills, alcohol or barbiturates to sleep, and caffeine or stronger stimulants to stay awake. People who are most successful at working nights, says shift work expert Janie O'Connor, are the ones who like their jobs and adopt constructive ways to cope with their shifts. Those are the people who don't let social constraints get in the way of their sleep but also make time for what's important. But having a parent who feels guilty is not healthy for the kid. Post your work schedule in your house so your family can plan around your schedule and avoid disappointments.