When a nurse suspects a client has shift-work sleep disorder (SWSD), which medication might be prescribed?

Modafinil is an effective medication often prescribed for shift-work sleep disorder (SWSD). This disorder typically affects individuals who work non-traditional hours, leading to difficulties in maintaining a regular sleep pattern and often resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness. Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent that enhances alertness, concentration, and overall cognitive function during periods when the individual is required to be awake.

Research suggests that modafinil can help regulate sleep cycles and improve the quality of life for those affected by SWSD, by promoting wakefulness during waking hours and assisting in the management of excessive daytime sleepiness. Other medications may not specifically target the wakefulness aspect or are designed for other sleep-related issues. For example, while zolpidem is used primarily for short-term management of insomnia, it does not address the underlying mechanisms of SWSD effectively. Trazodone, although beneficial for sleep disturbances, is an antidepressant that may not enhance alertness during waking hours as needed for someone with SWSD. Amodafinil, while similar to modafinil, is less commonly prescribed in the context of SWSD. Thus, modafinil stands out as the mainstay medication specifically tailored for the needs of those suffering from shift-work sleep disorder