Bipolar Disorder & Shift Work: Your Rights

Why Routine Matters

For people living with Bipolar Disorder, sleep disruption is the single biggest trigger for manic or depressive episodes.

Irregular sleep patterns can:

• Trigger mania (lack of sleep).
• Trigger depression (oversleeping/fatigue).
• Destabilize medication effectiveness.

The “Reasonable Adjustment”: Fixed Shifts

If you work in a role with rotating shifts (e.g., Early/Late/Night rotation), this is likely inherently disadvantageous to you.

The most common, and medically supported, adjustment is: “Exemption from rotating shifts and moving to a fixed shift pattern.”

Is it reasonable?

• Yes: If the employer has enough staff to cover the rotation without you.
• Yes: Even if other staff “don’t like” that you get the “good” shifts. Adjustments are about need, not popularity.
• Maybe No: If the role is explicitly “Night Watchman” and you can’t work nights, you might need redeployment to a day role.

Other Helpful Adjustments

1. Flexible Start Times

If medication causes “morning grogginess” (safety risk for driving), asking to start at 10am instead of 9am is common.

2. Quiet Space

During hypomanic phases, sensory overload can occur. Access to a quiet room can help regulate energy levels.

3. Emergency Leave

Agreed flexibility for short-notice leave if you spot early warning signs of an episode. Catching it early with 2 days off is better for the employer than a 3-month crisis absence.

Medical Evidence

A letter from a psychiatrist stating: “Regular sleep patterns are essential to prevent relapse” is usually all the evidence an employer needs to justify giving you fixed shifts.