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Have Hypothyroidism, Depression. Will Working In Night Shift Effect Health?
Hi, I have hypothyroidism which was found out when I became ill with depression , it was realised it was due to tiredness & shift work including nights. I have not be doing nights for 7 years they are now wanting me to return to nights which I say is detrimental to my health. Is there anything I can do or any information I can source to proof this will be the case?
Sat, 23 Mar 2013
Hello
Welcome to HCM
Hypothyroidism is itself risk factor for depression. You are off night duty since last 7 years. Just to psychoeducate you changing to night shift will change your sleep pattern and will also disrupt sleep cycle. It may worsen your symptoms of depression. Secondly if you are taking medicines then it will also change their levels. But as you are alright now then you can think of joining the night shift. But you have to change the timings of drugs accordingly. Also have enough sleep, at least 6-8 hrs per day. You can visit your psychiatrist for details.
Also you can approach your office authorities with your reports and you can request them to keep you in day shifts.
thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Welcome to HCM
Hypothyroidism is itself risk factor for depression. You are off night duty since last 7 years. Just to psychoeducate you changing to night shift will change your sleep pattern and will also disrupt sleep cycle. It may worsen your symptoms of depression. Secondly if you are taking medicines then it will also change their levels. But as you are alright now then you can think of joining the night shift. But you have to change the timings of drugs accordingly. Also have enough sleep, at least 6-8 hrs per day. You can visit your psychiatrist for details.
Also you can approach your office authorities with your reports and you can request them to keep you in day shifts.
thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
I find this answer helpful
Hello........
Thanks for your query. Hypothyroidism can mimic depression in many cases and they share common symptoms that may augment each other. Regular sleep wake cycle is required to avoid precipitating mood disorders and in that sense night shift may not be apt in your case. You can request your authorities with necessary medical documents to sort out the issue. You can use information from NIMH (National institute of mental health), USA website to augment your treatment records and to demonstrate that adequte sleep is mandatory considering your medical history. Hope you found the information useful.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
Thanks for your query. Hypothyroidism can mimic depression in many cases and they share common symptoms that may augment each other. Regular sleep wake cycle is required to avoid precipitating mood disorders and in that sense night shift may not be apt in your case. You can request your authorities with necessary medical documents to sort out the issue. You can use information from NIMH (National institute of mental health), USA website to augment your treatment records and to demonstrate that adequte sleep is mandatory considering your medical history. Hope you found the information useful.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful
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