I kinda have the same thing but I have to narrate my dreams and make them up as I go...totally exhausting. I am going to a psychiatrist next week and I'm going to bring it up will let you know what I find out.
It sounds like you are not getting sufficient deep sleep, but plenty of REM sleep. Hopefully, if it is linked with the odd hours for decades, you can find a better job more suited to your natural circadian rhythm and find better sleep that way. If this started prior to the odd job period of time, have you considered consulting a sleep specialist?
Also, you say you awaken with a headache. When this happens have you ever taken your blood pressure and pulse? Have you ever been checked by a dentist who specializes in TMJ or do you know if you clench or grind your teeth in your sleep? Have you ever been checked for sleep apnea?