Shift workers face chronic exhaustion

Dear Dr. Gott: I work third shift at a nursing home. Any advice for us nocturnal workers who live in both daytime and nighttime worlds?

Dear Reader: The average adult requires about eight hours of sleep per 24 hours. If you work during the day, no problem. If you work at night, you will have to reset your biological clock to enable you to sleep after work. If you work both day and night, you could be facing a serious problem: chronic exhaustion that is not only a threat to your quality of life but may also lead to serious health consequences, including interference with cognitive thinking and weakening of your immune system.

In my opinion, you need to alter your schedule to allow yourself six to eight hours of sleep a day (or night), plus some time to run errands, spend quality time with your family, fulfill personal obligations and so forth.

If you have difficulty sleeping during the day, try taking melatonin. This nonprescription compound is harmless and is often used by airline pilots who cross time zones frequently and by night workers who need to reset their biological clocks.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Sleep/Wake Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: Could it be that I have worms? I have passed something white the size of a sewing needle a couple of times. Can it do any harm? Please tell me what I can do. I am too embarrassed to tell my doctor.

Dear Reader: Don’t be embarrassed. Believe me, doctors have heard everything.

You may have pinworms. To investigate this possibility, your physician will want to order a stool analysis for ova, cysts and parasites, or he or she may choose to start with an analysis specifically for pinworms: a “Scotch tape test,” during which the health professional applies a strip of adhesive tape to your anus, removes it, then sends it to the lab for analysis (looking for pinworm eggs). If you have a pinworm infestation, you need to be treated, although such a condition is not a health hazard.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Constipation and Diarrhea.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.