Text 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 to turn that around using real science and practical tools.

Here’s what I cover:

• Why circadian disruption leads to fatigue, illness, and burnout
• How light exposure is your #1 tool for better sleep and energy
• How I build a “sleep cave” that helps shift workers fall asleep faster
• The power of blue-light blocking on your commute home
• How digestion follows your body clock — and how to eat smarter at night
• My go-to nutrition tips for reducing bloating and sugar crashes
• Why mental health suffers — and what to do about it
• Shift rotation tips, nap timing, and lighting hacks that actually make a difference

Need more support?

If shift work is taking a toll on your body or brain, you're not alone.
Join the Shift Workers Collective or work with me 1:1 at ahealthyshift.com — and let’s build a strategy that works for your schedule and lifestyle.

Support the show

----------------------------

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

Text 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 and nervous system recovery
• Which one might suit your shift work lifestyle better
• When using both could make sense
  
  

If you’ve ever reached for supplements after a rough run of night shifts or long days, this episode will help you choose wisely.

Support the show

----------------------------

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

Text me what you thought of the show 😊

Shift work wrecks your body. Long hours. No sleep. Crappy food. But what if one of the simplest things you could do for your health... fits in your pocket?

In today’s short but powerful episode, Roger dives into why a small handful of nuts a day might be the easiest, cheapest, and most effective habit for shift workers. We're talking heart health, brain protection, stable energy, and snack convenience—all in one.

In this episode, you'll learn:
– Why nuts are the perfect shift worker snack
– The myth about nuts making you fat (and why it’s false)
– How nuts help your brain, heart, sleep, and waistline
– The truth about roasted, raw, salted, and activated nuts
– Easy ways to get your daily 30g without overthinking it

If you’ve ever asked “What’s a healthy snack I can actually stick to?”—this episode is your answer.

Support the show

----------------------------

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

Text me what you thought of the show 😊

In this episode of A Healthy Shift, I take you through my journey—from being a 16-year-old Kiss fan camping outside Waverley Park to spending 40 years with Victoria Police. Along the way, I saw just how hard shift work can be on your body, mind, and relationships.

That’s exactly why I created A Healthy Shift—to help shift workers like you take back control of your health, reduce fatigue, and thrive in demanding, unpredictable work environments.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

✅ How my career in policing shaped my passion for shift worker wellbeing
✅ Why women in shift work need more targeted support—and how I help
✅ The real reason so many organizations fail their shift workers
✅ The origin of “D24” and the early days of police radio comms in Australia
✅ Why crime prevention must focus on people, not just weapons
✅ My take on modern parenting, discipline, and social accountability
✅ What “VKC” means and how police call signs are assigned

I’ve seen firsthand how shift work can impact your health, your family, and your future. This episode is packed with real talk, practical insights, and some behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Support the show

----------------------------

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

Text me what you thought of the show 😊

Burnout has silently become the baseline for too many shift workers—especially those in healthcare and emergency services. You're waking up exhausted, pushing through gruelling 12-hour shifts, barely eating properly, and your sleep is completely disrupted. When did this become normal?

In this raw, unfiltered conversation, I'm addressing the dangerous reality facing countless shift workers who've normalised their depletion. Drawing from decades of experience coaching hundreds of frontline workers, I outline the subtle warning signs that your body and brain are sounding alarm bells: emotional numbness at work, constant brain fog, unhealthy coping mechanisms like sugar cravings and alcohol dependence, and the sad reality of cancelling personal plans because there's simply nothing left to give.

The brutal truth? No one is coming to rescue you. Your management won't, the system won't, and even caring managers don't know what to do. But there is hope through five actionable steps: getting honest about your situation, prioritising proper rest, fuelling your body correctly, setting boundaries by learning that "no" is a complete sentence, and connecting with others who understand. Small, consistent changes can create momentum toward recovery before you're forced to rest through illness or complete breakdown.

Don't wait until you hit rock bottom. You deserve more than just surviving between holidays. If this resonates with you, reach out for support at ahealthyshift.com, join our Facebook community, or follow on Instagram. Share this episode with colleagues who need this wake-up call—because your health is non-negotiable.

Support the show

----------------------------

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

Text me what you thought of the show 😊

In this candid episode, fitness coach Jack Hallows and I dive deep into the transformative power of resistance training—especially for those juggling the challenges of shift work. Beyond just physical gains, we explore how strength training builds confidence, mental clarity, and improved health markers that positively impact every part of your life.

After 40 years in law enforcement working rotating 24/7 shifts, I’ve found that consistent training acts as a crucial anchor amidst the chaos. Jack shares his inspiring journey from battling an eating disorder to becoming a respected coach dedicated to helping others discover sustainable fitness habits.

We bust common myths in the fitness industry and offer practical, doable strategies tailored for shift workers feeling too tired or overwhelmed to prioritise exercise. Our nutrition tips are refreshingly straightforward—focus on consistent breakfasts and lunches to reduce decision fatigue, choose whole foods over faddy diets, and opt for lower glycemic index options after 3pm to help stabilise blood sugar during night shifts.

Plus, we discuss natural ways to optimise testosterone through lifestyle choices, showing how proper training, nutrition, and recovery can improve bloodwork results—even after years of circadian rhythm disruption from shift work.

This episode is a masterclass in balancing intensity with recovery, enjoying your training, and building habits that boost energy instead of draining it. Whether you’re new to fitness or refining your approach, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to transform your relationship with exercise and nutrition while managing the unique demands of shift work.

Join us to learn how to step into any gym with confidence, purpose, and a clear plan for success.

Find Jack Hallows here:
Instagram: @jackhallowsfitness

YOUR FREE PROGRAM - AS PROMISED

Support the show

----------------------------

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

Text me what you thought of the show 😊

Feeling Burnt Out from Shift Work? You’re Not Alone — And It’s Not Your Fault.

Most organisations expect 24/7 workers to navigate tough schedules without any guidance on how to protect their health.

After 40+ years as a police officer, experiencing every type of shift pattern imaginable, I’ve seen firsthand how this lack of knowledge wrecks lives.

That’s why I created practical, hands-on health and wellbeing seminars specifically for shift workers and their workplaces — designed not as theory, but real-world solutions that fit YOUR actual roster.

When I display your team’s schedule and walk through tailored eating windows, sleep strategies, exercise timing, and fatigue management techniques, something clicks. Attendees often say:
“Why didn’t someone teach me this when I started?”

These simple, actionable strategies aren’t complicated — but they completely transform how shift workers feel and perform.

With nearly 20% of the global workforce doing shift work, the need for this kind of training has never been more urgent. The challenge? Many workplace wellbeing teams don’t know these specialised resources even exist — that’s where you come in.

By sharing this podcast with your health and wellbeing leaders, you could spark a game-changing conversation that improves the health and resilience of your entire team.

Ready to move from just surviving shift work to truly thriving?

Visit ahealthyshift.com to download seminar info and share it with your workplace.

Let’s break the myth that shift work has to come at the cost of your health. With the right tools and strategies, you can maintain your energy, health, and happiness — even on the toughest schedules.

Support the show

----------------------------

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________

Text me what you thought of the show 😊

Shift work disrupts our body's natural 24-hour clock (circadian rhythm), affecting metabolism, hormones, and how we process food, which increases risks of weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.

• Insulin sensitivity drops at night, making your body less effective at handling sugar during night shifts
• Cortisol levels remain elevated during night shifts, making fat storage around the belly more likely
• Hunger hormones (leptin and ghrelin) become imbalanced, making you feel hungrier than you should
• Rotating shifts that change too quickly or rotate backwards cause even worse disruption
• Avoid eating large meals between 9pm-6am to reduce weight gain and digestive issues
• Use bright light during shifts to stay alert, but dim lights after shifts to prepare for sleep
• Develop a consistent wind-down routine after night shift
• Use blackout curtains and consider melatonin (consult your physician)
• Keep meals, sleep times and activity consistent every day, even on days off
• Forward rotating shifts (days→afternoons→nights) are better than backward rotations
• Consider creatine supplementation to support mental clarity during night shifts

For more support, join the Shift Workers Collective private online community at ahealthyshift.com.

Support the show

----------------------------

ANNOUNCING

"The Shift Workers Collective"

https://join.ahealthyshift.com/the-shift-workers-collective

Click the link to learn all about it
-----------------------------

YOU CAN FIND ME AT

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

COACHING

• One2One Coaching

_____________________

Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional. Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

_______________________