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A Healthy Shift
Roger Sutherland | Veteran Shift Worker | Coach | Nutritionist | Breathwork Facilitator | Keynote Speaker
A Healthy Shift Podcast with Roger Sutherland Welcome to A Healthy Shift, the podcast dedicated to helping shift workers and night shift workers take control of their health, well-being, and performance. I’m Roger Sutherland, a veteran of over 40 years in shift work. I know firsthand the unique challenges that come with working irregular hours, long nights, and around-the-clock schedules. I combine my lived experience with the latest science to help shift workers and night shift workers not ...
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[310] - Night Shift and Your Circadian Clock - 3 Ways to Lower Your Health Risk
17:38
17:38
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17:38Text me what you thought of the show 😊 I share three evidence-based strategies to reduce circadian disruption, sleep deeper after nights, and protect long-term health without chasing perfection. Light timing, a simple breath reset, and a true blackout sleep environment form a practical plan you can start tonight. • Why circadian rhythm misalignment…
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[309] – Leah Marone - When Your Mind Won’t Let You Rest
55:46
55:46
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55:46Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, we unpack how protective parts like the Inner Critic, Pleaser, and Rescuer quietly fuel burnout among first responders and healthcare workers. Joining me is Leah Marone, LCSW - psychotherapist, speaker, and author of Serial Fixer, who shares her insights on managing the inner critic, setting e…
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[308] - A Practical Blueprint To Enter, Survive, And Exit Night Shift With Minimal Circadian Disruption
23:39
23:39
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23:39Text me what you thought of the show 😊 We challenge the common advice to phase-shift into night shift and lay out a simpler plan that protects your body clock. Treat nights like late evenings, anchor to daylight and meal timing, and use short naps so you can actually enjoy your days off. • minimum circadian disruption as the core goal • jet lag ana…
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[307] - Let's make this crystal clear - blue light at night impacts health
19:44
19:44
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19:44Text me what you thought of the show 😊 We break down why falling asleep while scrolling is not a win and how blue light at night quietly shifts your body clock, blocks melatonin, and steals deep, restorative sleep. We explain the difference between sleep pressure and natural sleep onset, and give clear steps to fix your light diet. • sleep homeosta…
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[306] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Talk Back Radio 30-10-2025
40:47
40:47
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40:47Text me what you thought of the show 😊 We dig into night shift realities, kids’ sleep struggles under daylight saving, and why lighting—not pills—should do the heavy lifting. We also question whether doorbell cameras increase safety or just anxiety, and share practical fixes for sleep and home security. • teen chronotypes and later school start log…
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[305] - Using Your Breath To Control Your Stupid
16:07
16:07
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16:07Text me what you thought of the show 😊 I share a simple, science-backed breathing method that flips the body from stress to calm so you can think clearly on and off shift. Breath becomes a tool you can use anywhere to steady your decisions, your mood, and your energy. • Why breath informs safety signals in the body • how stress takes the prefrontal…
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[304] - The Strategy That Changed My Internal Conflict, You Can Too
15:41
15:41
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15:41Text me what you thought of the show 😊 We trace the real source of stress for many shift workers: a clash between personal values and workplace culture. Roger shares how naming five core values eased PTSD recovery, reduced conflict, and brought clarity to decisions at work and at home. • defining personal values as a compass for decisions • recogni…
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[303] - Shift Work PMS and Snacks – What You Eat Might Be Making It Worse
18:31
18:31
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18:31Text me what you thought of the show 😊 PMS can feel overwhelming for shift workers, especially when irregular rosters and sleep loss make symptoms worse. In this episode, I break down new research on PMS and nutrition, explain how a single daily food swap can ease symptoms, and share practical snack strategies you can use on night shifts. What You’…
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[302] - How to Burn Fat Without Burning Out
12:58
12:58
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12:58Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Recovery, stress, and lingering fatigue are constant battles for shift workers especially after night shifts. The good news is there’s a simple cardio approach that not only helps you feel calmer but also clears excess triglycerides from the bloodstream, supports better sleep, and actually gives energy back in…
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[301] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Special Guest Tom Coleman (Sleep Expert) - Talk Back Radio 16-10-2025
40:58
40:58
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40:58Text me what you thought of the show 😊 We talk about service, leadership, and what thanks means after forty years in uniform, then dive into the hidden lever of performance—sleep—and how shift workers can use light, timing, and routine to reclaim energy. Tom Coleman shares practical tools for night wakings, circadian alignment, travel, and sleep ap…
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[300] - The 24-7 Leader - How to Support Your Team
17:12
17:12
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17:12Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Great leadership in shift work goes beyond managing rosters—it’s about recognising the human signals behind fatigue, stress, and performance. In this episode, I outline a clear model built around the Three Ps—performance, presence, and persona to help leaders identify risk early, protect recovery, and create s…
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[299] - Eat Smart Sleep Better - How Low GI and Overnight Fasting Change the Game for Shift Workers
18:30
18:30
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18:30Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work often leads to late-night snacking, energy crashes, and disrupted sleep. But by adjusting when and what you eat, you can regain control of your energy, weight, and recovery—without strict diets. In this episode, I break down simple strategies that help shift workers thrive: Why your circadian rhythm…
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[298] - Relaxing or Ruining You? Alcohol’s Hidden Impact on Shift Workers
13:48
13:48
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13:48Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Alcohol consumption compounds the health challenges of shift work by disrupting sleep quality, increasing weight gain, and exacerbating cardiovascular risks. After 634 days of sobriety, I've experienced transformative benefits including better sleep, weight management, improved mood, and significantly more ene…
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Text me what you thought of the show 😊 We explore why shift workers tend to gain stubborn belly fat and provide evidence-based strategies to combat this frustrating issue. Discover how circadian rhythm disruption affects hunger hormones and metabolism, making waistline weight gain almost inevitable without proper intervention. • Circadian rhythm di…
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[296] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Australia Overnight - Talk Back Radio 02-10-2025
40:48
40:48
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40:48Text me what you thought of the show 😊 We unpack why public anxiety in Victoria is rising while frontline police feel boxed in by policy, politics, and the bail churn. I share how organised youth crime, digital coordination, and pursuit limits collide with community expectations for safety and accountability. • bail decisions and officer morale • B…
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[295] - Tired or Something More? The Hidden Sleep Risks for Shift Workers
15:42
15:42
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15:42Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift workers often normalise exhaustion and dismiss serious sleep disorders as just part of the job, but this mindset endangers health, safety, and performance. Sleep problems beyond normal shift-related fatigue require medical attention, not just acceptance or medication. • Five common sleep disorders affect…
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[294] - Alana Russell - From Chaos to Connection, Regulating Your First Responder Relationship
1:10:03
1:10:03
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1:10:03Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Flexibility and communication are the keys to maintaining strong family connections while navigating the unique challenges of first responder relationships. Police Social Worker Alana Russell brings her expertise both as a therapist and police wife to share practical strategies for balancing work demands with …
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[293] - Confirmation Bias - The Silent Divider
18:19
18:19
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18:19Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Confirmation bias is shaping our world in ways many don't realise, especially through social media algorithms designed to keep us scrolling and engaged with content that reinforces our existing beliefs. • Social media platforms track what you click, like, comment on, and even how long you hover over posts • Al…
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[292] - The Future of Shift Work - A Solution for leaders
17:09
17:09
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17:09Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Roger Sutherland addresses the critical need for shift worker education and support in 24-7 workplaces, introducing an innovative Shift Work Champions model that trains staff to become wellbeing leaders for their peers. • Shift work organisations face three major problems when workers aren't supported: increas…
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[291] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Australia Overnight - Talk Back Radio 18-09-2025
40:55
40:55
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40:55Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Former police officer Roger Sutherland shares his journey from workplace trauma to healing through breathwork techniques. His four-decade career in law enforcement left him with anxiety and trust issues, but learning proper breathing patterns helped restore his mental wellbeing. • Proper breathing directly com…
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[290] - My Advice to a Brand New Shift Worker
18:18
18:18
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18:18Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work can slowly eat away at your health if you don't understand how to work with your body's natural circadian rhythm. Getting the fundamentals right from the start helps shift workers thrive instead of just survive. • Understanding your circadian rhythm is critical—your body has a biological day and nig…
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[289] - The Mindset Shift Every Shift Worker Needs
13:41
13:41
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13:41Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work doesn't have to control your life when you learn to focus only on what you can control. Roger Sutherland shares his transformative experience from 40 years in frontline policing and how the practice of "controlling the controllables" changed everything. • Understanding that complaining about rosters…
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[288] - Why When You Eat Matters More Than What You Eat
16:32
16:32
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16:32Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work disrupts eating patterns, but understanding the difference between time-restricted eating and intermittent fasting can make a huge impact on your health, energy, and weight. In this episode, I break down why aligning meals with your biological day—not your shift roster—is the real key. You’ll learn:…
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[287] - Chris Payten - Beyond Survival: The Science of Breathing for Shift Workers
1:22:33
1:22:33
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1:22:33Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Breathwork coach Chris Payten returns to discuss the transformative power of conscious breathing for shift workers and first responders, sharing insights from Roger's recent breathwork facilitator training experience. • Breathwork is conscious control of breathing patterns versus automatic breathing • The way …
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[286] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Australia Overnight - Talk Back Radio 04-09-2025
40:37
40:37
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40:37Text me what you thought of the show 😊 The manhunt for a cop killer enters its ninth day as veteran police officer Roger Sutherland discusses the devastating impact on police nationwide and the challenges of the ongoing search operation. • Impact on police officers across Australia has been heavier than anticipated, with even retired officers deepl…
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[285] - When the Badge Hurts - Processing the Loss of Our Own
15:07
15:07
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15:07Text me what you thought of the show 😊 I address the profound impact of losing two police officers in the line of duty and how it affects the entire law enforcement community. As a 40-year veteran and father of a serving officer, I share personal reflections on processing grief within the Blue family. • It's okay to be vulnerable and express emotio…
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[284] - Cravings and Weight gain, try this
11:08
11:08
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11:08Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I explain why eating high GI foods after 3pm can cause energy crashes, cravings, and weight gain—especially for shift workers. Our insulin sensitivity naturally declines later in the day, so making small, simple swaps to low GI foods can help stabilise blood sugar, keep you fuller for longer, …
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[283] - Protect your melatonin like your life depends on it, because it does
13:46
13:46
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13:46Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I explore why melatonin is much more than a “sleep hormone.” It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects your body from free radicals and even cancer—and as shift workers, many of us don’t realise how much late-night screen use interferes with this vital process. Blue light from phones, tablets,…
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[282] - I've never spoken about this, until today
19:33
19:33
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19:33Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I share a simple ritual I used for 35 years to separate work from home life as a shift worker. Like many of you, I often came home still feeling “on duty.” To change that, I carried a coin during every shift and left it in my locker at the end. That small act created a clear mental boundary, p…
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[281] - Your host on Radio 3AW - The Crisis Facing the Frontline - Talk Back Radio 21-08-2025
40:31
40:31
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40:31Text 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 enf…
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[280] - The After-Shift Workout Dilemma, Friend or Foe?
18:21
18:21
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18:21Text 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-s…
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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 …
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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 …
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[277] - The sleep trifecta - Alcohol, Nicotine and Caffeine
21:50
21:50
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21:50Text 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 cov…
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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 adjustme…
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[275] - Female Shift Workers Deserve Better—Here's How We Start
16:05
16:05
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16:05Text 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 clash Why PMS, gut issues, and poor recovery are more common in women Why standard shift work advice …
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[274] - Shift Worker's Secret Weapon - The 3 Supplements You Can't Afford to Miss
20:29
20:29
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20:29Text 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 …
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[273] - Change this, it changes everything
17:39
17:39
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17:39Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode of A Healthy Shift, I’m breaking down a common myth that’s keeping shift workers exhausted and frustrated: the idea that long sleep-ins on your days off help you recover. Spoiler alert — they don’t. In fact, sleeping in too late disrupts your circadian rhythm, delays your exposure to natural li…
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[272] - Your host on Radio 3AW - Australia Overnight - Talk Back Radio 24-07-2025
40:27
40:27
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40:27Text me what you thought of the show 😊 I'm back on Australia Overnight after a bit of a break — and this time, we’re diving deep into some uncomfortable truths about what’s really happening on our streets and inside our justice system. As a former frontline police officer and now health coach for shift workers, I’ve seen firsthand how things have c…
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Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I share my top 10 must-read books that have reshaped how I approach health, habits, sleep, and shift work. With nearly 40 years in law enforcement and coaching others through 24/7 schedules, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to thriving as a shift worker. These books offer ev…
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[270] - New to Shift Work? - 8 survival tips
27:26
27:26
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27:26Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift work disrupts our natural circadian rhythms, but with the right strategies, we can protect our health and energy while finding better work-life balance. I share eight practical tips to help shift workers not just survive but thrive, based on almost four decades of experience. • Set a consistent sleep sch…
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[269] - The secret to losing weight working shift work
26:22
26:22
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26:22Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift workers can absolutely lose weight despite the challenges of irregular schedules. I explains the science behind why night workers gain weight and offers a practical approach to sustainable fat loss that works with your body's natural rhythms. • Understanding why shift work makes weight management difficu…
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[268] - Why Shift Work Messes with Your Gut—and What You Can Do About It
24:13
24:13
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24:13Text me what you thought of the show 😊 If you’ve ever felt bloated, gassy, or just off in the gut after a night shift — you’re not alone. In this episode, I unpack exactly why shift work messes with your digestion, and what you can actually do about it. Forget blaming food intolerances — the root issue is often your disrupted circadian rhythm, not …
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[267] - When Coping Becomes a Crutch. Shift Work Mental Health and the Hidden Addictions
19:24
19:24
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19:24Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I open up about something many shift workers experience but few talk about openly: the dangerous coping mechanisms we turn to when the pressure gets too much. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, pornography, or gambling — what starts as an escape can quickly spiral into something far more damaging. A…
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[266] - Why You Should Wear a Sleep Mask — Every Single Time You Sleep
11:51
11:51
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11:51Text me what you thought of the show 😊 If you're a shift worker struggling to get good-quality sleep—especially during daylight hours—this episode is for you. Today, I'm talking about one of the simplest yet most overlooked tools that can drastically improve your rest: the sleep mask. Most people underestimate just how damaging light can be to slee…
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[265] - Shift Work and Loneliness - The Silent Struggle No One Talks About
12:52
12:52
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12:52Text me what you thought of the show 😊 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 …
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[264] - Why Your Workplace Needs Shift Work Health Education in 2025
11:43
11:43
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11:43Text me what you thought of the show 😊 Shift Work Doesn’t Have to Wreck Your Health – Here’s How to Thrive In this episode, I talk about why shift work doesn't have to come at the cost of your health and wellbeing—and why it’s time organisations stop treating shift workers like machines. I'm Roger Sutherland, and I’ve made it my mission to educate …
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[263] - Shift Work & Your Health The Risks You Can't Ignore (And The Solutions You Need)
23:09
23:09
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23:09Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode of A Healthy Shift, I break down the long-term health risks of shift work — and more importantly, how to reduce your risk and protect your body over time. As a certified nutritionist and former law enforcement officer, I’ve lived the shift work life and seen the toll it can take. But I also kno…
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[262] - Reclaiming Your Rhythm Navigating Shift Work's Impact on Your Body Clock
29:49
29:49
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29:49Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode, I’m breaking down how your circadian rhythm impacts every part of your health as a shift worker — and why managing it is the difference between surviving your roster and actually thriving. Most shift workers are unknowingly working against their body’s natural rhythm. I’ll show you exactly how…
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[261] - Magnesium v Ashwagandha for Shift Workers
18:42
18:42
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18:42Text me what you thought of the show 😊 In this episode of A Healthy Shift, I break down the differences between two popular supplements: ashwagandha and magnesium. Both are known to support stress relief and better sleep — but they work in very different ways. I explain: How ashwagandha can help calm a wired mind Why magnesium supports deep rest an…
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