A Healthy Shift

Text 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 we breathe directly impacts our nervous syst...

Text 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 deeply affected • No closure yet with the suspect stil...

Text 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 emotions when facing tragedy • Allowing yourself t...

Text 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, and support a healthy weight no matter what shift...

Text 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, and TVs doesn’t just delay your sleep by a few m...

Text 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, protecting my health, my relationships, and my abi...

Text 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 enforcement workers are being worked to the bone wit...

Text 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-shift workouts can backfire The link between fatig...

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 healing from PTSD and inspired me to become a cer...

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 I cover: Why waking early on the day of your firs...

Text 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 cover: How alcohol disrupts REM sleep and...

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 adjustments, it’s absolutely possible to feel more energi...

Text 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 fails most female workers What needs to change —...

Text 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 How low sunlight exposure affects your sleep, im...

Text 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 light, and creates something called social jet l...

Text 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 changed — and not for the better. In this epi...

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 evidence-based, practical insights that can truly...

Text 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 schedule with regular wake-up times, even on days of...

Text 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 difficult • Research shows shift workers don't...

Text 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 the food itself. I break down how your internal...

Text 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. As a former shift worker myself and a coach to tho...

Text 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 sleep. Even tiny amounts of light from devi...

Text 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 eating habits and overall wellbeing. Here’s what...

Text 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 shift workers on how to take control of...

Text 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 know the power of proactive strategies when it com...