[267] - When Coping Becomes a Crutch. Shift Work Mental Health and the Hidden Addictions

Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Former police officer Roger Sutherland sounds the alarm on the crisis facing frontline workers across Australia and worldwide. With 40 years of service behind him, he shares his concerns about burnout rates and the mass exodus of experienced professionals from essential services. • Frontline health and law enforcement workers are being worked to the bone with inadequate funding • Many experienced professionals are burning out and leaving their careers, ...

20 Elo 202540min

Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Think hitting the gym after a night shift is a good idea? It might be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we explore why high-intensity workouts post-shift can disrupt your sleep, stress your system, and slow your recovery — even if your intentions are solid. What You’ll Learn: Why late-night or post-shift workouts can backfireThe link between fatigue, injury risk, and poor recoveryHow exercise timing affects appetite and sleepBetter alternatives...

17 Elo 202518min

Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I share how breathwork techniques can completely transform the lives of shift workers, first responders, and frontline health workers by helping regulate the autonomic nervous system and release stored trauma. I know this firsthand—my own journey with transformative breathwork led to profound healing from PTSD and inspired me to become a certified breathwork facilitator. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Why so many shift workers liv...

14 Elo 202534min

Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I share a proven, practical strategy for managing night shifts in a way that protects your health and wellbeing. Night shift work doesn’t have to leave you feeling wrecked — with the right approach, you can transition into, through, and out of your shifts with far less disruption. Here’s what I cover: Why waking early on the day of your first night shift works better than staying up late the night beforeHow eating at normal daytime hours...

10 Elo 202521min

Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I unpack how alcohol, nicotine and caffeine — the "sleep trifecta" — quietly disrupt sleep and recovery for shift workers. While these substances might feel helpful in the moment, they often do more harm than good, especially when your body is already under pressure from irregular hours. I cover: How alcohol disrupts REM sleep and slows fat metabolism (the "mum-tum" effect)Why nicotine increases stress on your system and makes it harder ...

7 Elo 202521min

Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I explore one of the most common challenges shift workers face—chronic fatigue. While irregular hours are often blamed, there are several overlooked factors that play a major role in how tired we feel. The good news is many of these factors are within our control. With a few practical adjustments, it’s absolutely possible to feel more energised, even with a demanding shift schedule. Here’s what I cover in this episode: Why chronic fatigu...

3 Elo 202524min

Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work isn’t gender neutral, and women are paying the price. In this episode, I break down why female bodies struggle more with 24/7 rosters — and what can actually help. How circadian and menstrual cycles clashWhy PMS, gut issues, and poor recovery are more common in womenWhy standard shift work advice fails most female workersWhat needs to change — for individuals and organisationsListen now to understand what’s really going on — and how to protect...

31 Heinä 202516min

Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work disrupts your body’s natural rhythms, increasing your risk of fatigue, poor sleep, and long-term health issues. In this episode, I outline three supplements that can help support your physical and mental performance as a 24/7 worker. What’s in This Episode: • Why Vitamin D matters for shift workers How low sunlight exposure affects your sleep, immune system, and mood — and how 2,000 IU daily can help restore balance. • The role of Ome...

27 Heinä 202520min