Text me what you thought of the show 😊

In this episode, I open up about something many shift workers experience but few talk about openly: the dangerous coping mechanisms we turn to when the pressure gets too much. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, pornography, or gambling — what starts as an escape can quickly spiral into something far more damaging.

As a former shift worker myself and a coach to thousands of others, I want to share what I’ve learned — not from judgment, but from real experience.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

✅ How disrupted sleep patterns and hormonal chaos fuel poor mental health
✅ The link between isolation, chronic fatigue, and impulsive habits
✅ Why substances and distractions feel helpful — but make it worse
✅ What recovery really looks like (hint: it’s not about going cold turkey overnight)
✅ How to spot early warning signs in yourself or a colleague
✅ The power of one small daily habit — like a morning walk
✅ How talking to a trusted GP or friend can change everything
✅ Practical tools to start choosing better — and feeling better

If you’ve ever thought “I’m not myself lately”, this episode is for you.
And if it feels like too much to fix on your own — good news: you don’t have to.

👉 Take one small step today.

Visit ahealthyshift.com or come join us in the Shift Workers Collective — a safe space to talk, learn, and grow. You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And change is possible.

Support the show

----------------------------

WOMEN AND SHIFT WORK WEBINAR

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

Text me what you thought of the show 😊

If you're a shift worker struggling to get good-quality sleep—especially during daylight hours—this episode is for you. Today, I'm talking about one of the simplest yet most overlooked tools that can drastically improve your rest: the sleep mask.

Most people underestimate just how damaging light can be to sleep. Even tiny amounts of light from devices, early morning sun, or power boards can suppress melatonin by up to 50%. That’s enough to prevent your body from dropping into deep, restorative sleep—and for shift workers, that’s a big deal.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

• How light disrupts your circadian rhythm and causes shallow, fragmented sleep
• A quick test to see if your bedroom is too bright for optimal sleep
• What to look for in a high-quality sleep mask (it’s not just about blocking light)
• Why using a sleep mask every single time you rest can actually train your brain to wind down faster
• And why, if you’re trying to sleep during the day, a sleep mask isn’t optional—it’s essential

If you’re looking for a reliable sleep mask that’s comfortable, light-blocking, and great for side sleepers, I personally recommend the Manta Sleep Mask Pro. You can find it on the Recommended Products page in the resources section at ahealthyshift.com.

Support the show

----------------------------

WOMEN AND SHIFT WORK WEBINAR

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

Text me what you thought of the show 😊

In this episode, I open up about a side of shift work we don’t talk about enough: the loneliness. Even when we’re surrounded by colleagues, shift work can create a deep sense of emotional isolation that creeps in slowly and quietly. Over time, it can affect everything from our sleep and decision-making to our eating habits and overall wellbeing.

Here’s what I share in this episode:

• How shift work pulls us out of sync with everyday life—missing weekends, holidays, and family time
• Why our biological need for connection often clashes with shift work schedules
• The truth about loneliness: it’s not just an emotion—it has real health consequences
• How small “micro-connections” like a quick message or a coffee catch-up can keep relationships alive
• The importance of finding a connection with others who understand the shift work lifestyle
• Why scheduling social time—just like an appointment—can actually protect your wellbeing
• How being honest with loved ones about your disconnection helps them support you
• Simple ways to blend social time with self-care, like walking with a friend
• When to seek professional help if loneliness starts to feel overwhelming

If any of this resonated with you, I’d love it if you shared the episode with fellow shift workers who might be going through the same thing.

And if you haven’t already, follow the podcast and leave a rating—it really helps others find this content. On Spotify, just head to the main show page; on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom to rate and review.

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through shift work feeling that way.

Support the show

----------------------------

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________