Eating and sleep disorders: shift work sleep disorder: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Eating and sleep disorders: shift work sleep disorder

Sample item

A nurse on rotating night shifts cannot sleep well during the day and feels very sleepy and makes errors at night. On her days off she sleeps normally. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Shift work type of circadian rhythm disorder

Shift work disorder results from a mismatch between the sleep-wake cycle demanded by work and the endogenous circadian rhythm. It causes insomnia during the sleep period and sleepiness while working, and improves when the schedule is normal.

Option by option

  • A. Delayed sleep phase type

    Delayed sleep phase type has a persistently late sleep time independent of work hours.

  • B. Advanced sleep phase type

    Advanced sleep phase type has early sleep and waking, again not linked to work shifts.

  • C. Narcolepsy

    Narcolepsy involves sleep attacks, cataplexy and REM intrusions, regardless of schedule.

  • D. Shift work type of circadian rhythm disorder (correct)

    Correct. Symptoms tied to the work schedule indicate shift work type.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, Shift work type of circadian rhythm disorder. Shift work disorder results from a mismatch between the sleep-wake cycle demanded by work and the endogenous circadian rhythm.

Why is "Delayed sleep phase type" not the answer?

Delayed sleep phase type has a persistently late sleep time independent of work hours.

Why is "Advanced sleep phase type" not the answer?

Advanced sleep phase type has early sleep and waking, again not linked to work shifts.

Why is "Narcolepsy" not the answer?

Narcolepsy involves sleep attacks, cataplexy and REM intrusions, regardless of schedule.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Eating and sleep disorders: shift work sleep disorder in Psychiatry. It causes insomnia during the sleep period and sleepiness while working, and improves when the schedule is normal.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Eating and sleep disorders: shift work sleep disorder?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.