femalenetwork.com

Lots of outsourcing companies have been popping up all over the metro. They offer a range of services, such as call centers and HR services mostly for US companies.  One thing comes to mind when talking about this industry… the night shift! This is one of the reasons why the turnover rate for such companies is so high.  It is a huge adjustment to suddenly switch to a different time zone while the sun shines through your bedroom window. It’s hard to fall asleep when it’s so hot in the afternoon, and as it gets later and later into the day, you start to worry if and when you will ever fall asleep. You know that if you don’t, you’ll definitely have a hard time later on at work.
 
Being a systems analyst in a BTO company, I can definitely relate! I had a difficult time adjusting to the schedule. It took me months to finally settle into the night shift and to become comfortable with the lifestyle. As an athlete, I kept worrying about how to fit in my training schedule and get enough rest. I would often use lack of sleep as an excuse to skip workouts. But after discovering melatonin, I felt more in control and was able to deal with my sleeping difficulties.  You can stay healthy and fit despite the ever-changing work schedules!
 
What is melatonin? It is a hormone that regulates behavioural and physiological cycles that happen to our bodies in a 24-hour period. It exists naturally in all living things, and is highest in humans during the night. This is why it’s sometimes called the “hormone of darkness”. Chemically, it induces drowsiness! It also acts as an anti-oxidant and has also been found to be effective in preventing migraines.
 
For me, melatonin helps me fall asleep so that I can be relaxed and refreshed for another day’s, or rather, night’s work. I have always been adamant about taking sleeping pills. We hear so many horror stories about overdosing and other negative side effects. Melatonin is different, because it is naturally-occurring in our bodies. It is non-toxic and there are no known side effects when taken by healthy people. It is taken in very low doses, like 1 or 2mg. I take it before going to bed, and it makes me feel drowsy and I fall asleep after about fifteen minutes. What I noticed after I started taking it, is that I don’t suddenly wake up in the middle of the day anymore, and won’t have to force myself to sleep again to ensure that I get my full seven or eight hours.  I get uninterrupted, peaceful sleep. I am more alert at the office, and still have enough energy for a good workout in the morning.
 
If you are interested in taking melatonin, please consult your doctor. It is available as an over-the-counter supplement at your local pharmacy. It costs about P400 for a bottle at Mercury Drug and cheaper at Health Express booths, selling for about P200-300 per 100-tablet bottle.