Australian workers keeping world turning after dark facing 'impossible' reality

Australian shift workers are turning to sleep-promoting substances, such as sleeping pills and alcohol at higher rates than the general public, according to new research.

Midwife Celeste said it was difficult to adjust to the hours of her job when she first started, often turning to sedatives to win back some day sleep - without success.

"It's really tough. It can feel impossible at times," she told 9News.

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"I did try phenergan and sleeping pills and I did found they made me feel absolutely terrible for the next day and it was difficult to maintain focus, concentration."

Research by Turning Point addiction centre has found around 30 per cent of shift workers report using sleep-promoting substances, such as sedatives or alcohol.

That compares to around 5 per cent of the general population.

The problem however is the risk of becoming reliant on the substances, according to Dr Rohan Ogeil said.

"If you're using these drugs more and frequently, that's a time to seek help," he said.

"There can be hangover effect which affects your performance at work, your mood or your ability to sleep on subsequent nights."

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Experts said shift workers need to work extra hard at prioritising sleep.

Tips for shift workers to improve their sleep include darkening your room if they're sleeping during the day, limiting stimulants like caffeine and turning off light-emitting devices.

Celeste said following her experience she never again touched sleeping medications and even has green tea now instead of coffee.

"You definitely can use free and natural strategies to improve sleep," she said.

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