Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Pain In Left Side Of Tongue And Sleeplessness?
Question: Hi Doctor, From last two days I am feeling pain on the left side of my tongue, it is very hard now to talk as well to have food. The pain is towards the last part of tongue. I tried with my finger to find any wounds in front of a mirror, but didn't find anything.Moreover need to mention, From some days I am not getting sleep properly. I work in shifts, Morning, Afternoon and Night, so when my shift changes I do not get sleep as the routine changes. as example, Two week back I was on night shift, very next week when I came on second shift I was not getting sleep in the night, I used to get sleep in the early morning. This week I am in morning shift, and the problem is I get sleep only for 3 hours i.e. 3 to 6 AM. most probably you will suggest me to consult a doctor for the pain, but what about the sleeping disorder, as I notice my body is not suitable to work in shifts, the same has been informed to my management, but they are still waiting for opportunity to put me where only 1 shifts are available. In this case, I do not know what to do, need your suggestions. Is there any way that can produce medical certificate saying that I am not fit for working in Night shift etc. Waiting for your reply.
Brief Answer:
Sleep hygiene measures
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is not easy to work in shifts and also not easy to adapt to the changing shift. The body has an internal clock when to sleep and when to wake up. it is difficult to operate it against the circardian rythm. But then if the shifts are constantly changing you should complain. If the shifts are constant for certain days and then you have a gap to shift to the next work schedule you should probably adopt to it. Any changes to your circadian rhythm should be made gradually from two days to three days.
People adapt easily or completely to such schedules. It’s not uncommon for such people to suffer from shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Sleep loss and fatigue are some of the most significant problems. But then you should adopt some sleep hygiene measures. Sleep in your bedroom and avoid using it for other activities such as watching television, eating and working; adjust the bedroom temperature to a comfortable level, cool conditions improve sleep. Use heavy curtains, to darken the bedroom; disconnect the phone; ask your family not to disturb you and to keep the noise down when you are sleeping; discuss your work pattern with close neighbors and ask them to try and avoid noisy activities during your sleep time. You can browse for sleep hygiene measures and start following them sooner.
Regarding the medical certificate it needs a follow up with one doctor who advise the same measures for few months and if you go back with no betterment, then you can ask for a medical certificate.
Sleep hygiene measures
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is not easy to work in shifts and also not easy to adapt to the changing shift. The body has an internal clock when to sleep and when to wake up. it is difficult to operate it against the circardian rythm. But then if the shifts are constantly changing you should complain. If the shifts are constant for certain days and then you have a gap to shift to the next work schedule you should probably adopt to it. Any changes to your circadian rhythm should be made gradually from two days to three days.
People adapt easily or completely to such schedules. It’s not uncommon for such people to suffer from shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Sleep loss and fatigue are some of the most significant problems. But then you should adopt some sleep hygiene measures. Sleep in your bedroom and avoid using it for other activities such as watching television, eating and working; adjust the bedroom temperature to a comfortable level, cool conditions improve sleep. Use heavy curtains, to darken the bedroom; disconnect the phone; ask your family not to disturb you and to keep the noise down when you are sleeping; discuss your work pattern with close neighbors and ask them to try and avoid noisy activities during your sleep time. You can browse for sleep hygiene measures and start following them sooner.
Regarding the medical certificate it needs a follow up with one doctor who advise the same measures for few months and if you go back with no betterment, then you can ask for a medical certificate.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
