Wakefulness and shift work disorder (SWD)
Many shift workers who are experiencing excessive sleepiness (ES) may need to be evaluated for shift work disorder.
People may sometimes feel tired at work. However, when that sleepiness begins to interfere with certain aspects of your life, including your ability to work during your shifts, you should talk to your doctor.
Could you be at risk for excessive sleepiness due to shift work disorder?
- Do you work shifts or a non-traditional work schedule?
- Do you feel tired or sleepy when you need to be awake?
- Is your work, home, or social life negatively affected?
If you answered yes, then you could be suffering from excessive sleepiness due to shift work disorder.
3.75 million Americans are at risk for SWD.1-3
Your doctor may consider the criteria below to determine whether you have SWD4:
- Irregular sleep patterns leading to ES or insomnia
- Irregular sleep patterns affecting your work or personal life
- Irregular sleep patterns not caused by any other sleep or medical condition
- Irregular sleep patterns not caused by a medication or substance
Click here to learn more about SWD.
Excessive sleepiness in the workplace5:
NUVIGIL has been shown to improve wakefulness throughout the shift for people suffering from ES associated with SWD.










