[265] - Shift Work and Loneliness - The Silent Struggle No One Talks About

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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.

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Roger Sutherland is Australia's Night Shift & Sleep Specialist and the founder of A Healthy Shift.

After more than 40 years working rotating shifts with Victoria Police, Roger now helps organisations reduce fatigue risk, improve staff wellbeing and build healthier, safer and higher-performing 24/7 workplaces through evidence-based education, circadian biology and the Shift Work Champions™ Framework.

Shift Work Champions™: https://join.ahealthyshift.com/shift-work-capability

Website: https://ahealthyshift.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-sutherland

Instagram: @a_healthy_shift

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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.

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