I Work 8 Hour Shifts, But Get Forced To Work
 
                                    
                                    
                                          
                                               Posted on
                                          
                                            
                                         
                                           Tue, 28 Aug 2018
                                           
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                            Medically reviewed by
                                            
                                                  Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
                                            
                                        
                                        
                                            
                                                
                                                Tue, 28 Aug 2018
                                                
                                            
                                                Answered on
                                             
                                            
                                                
                                                Mon, 3 Apr 2023
                                                
                                                
                                                Last reviewed on
                                             
                                            Question : I work 8 hour shifts, but get forced to work 16 hours shifts through the night time hours a few times a week.  I recently had blood work done because I was having symptoms that alarmed me.  They seemed to be getting progressively worse as I work these longer hours.  Some of my symptoms include a faster than normal resting heart rate while trying to fall asleep (95bpm) after a shift.  Others include severe trembling, jaw pains on both sides, and overall full headaches at times.  About 10 months ago I was in ER with similar symptoms when I was working longer hours.  They ran a chest xrays, troponin tests, and EKG's and said all looked fine.  My recent bloodwork numbers are as follows:  total cholesterol-169, triglicerides-123, HDL- 43, LDL- 101.  I realize the LDL and HDL numbers are close to being out of range which has alarmed me.  I was eating poorly and drinking soda at times.  In the last few weeks I gave up fast food and soda and started eating berries, oatmeal, vegetables, and taking fish oil pills daily.  Any ideas on stress being a factor or could it be cholesterol related due to semi bad HDL and LDL numbers?  Thank you for the help.
                            
                                    Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to anxiety and tensive type headache.
The straining physical activity and sleep deprivation which you have gone through lately have played an important role in all this clinical scenario.
Your blood lipid profile is within the normal ranges, (Total cholesterol/HDL ratio). So, just relax and don't worry about it!
I would just recommend trying to avoid straining physical activity and regulate your sleep hygiene.
Yoga and recreational sports can help improve your situation.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                            I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to anxiety and tensive type headache.
The straining physical activity and sleep deprivation which you have gone through lately have played an important role in all this clinical scenario.
Your blood lipid profile is within the normal ranges, (Total cholesterol/HDL ratio). So, just relax and don't worry about it!
I would just recommend trying to avoid straining physical activity and regulate your sleep hygiene.
Yoga and recreational sports can help improve your situation.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
 Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
                              
                            
                                  
                                      Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
                                  
                              
                                         
 
                                    
                                    
                                Answered by
                                                    Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
                        
                                
                                