Working night shifts leads to health risks, study reveals

Working night shifts can have a significant impact on one’s health, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the Netherlands and Belgium. 

The study, which collected work and sleep data from 37662 individuals, found that those who work night shifts are at a higher risk for sleep disorders and other serious health conditions.

Researchers divided the participants into groups based on their work schedules, analyzing the data to identify common sleep disturbances.

The six categories of sleep disorders examined were insomnia, hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness), parasomnia (abnormal movements or dreams), sleep-related breathing disorders, sleep-related movement disorders, and sleep-wake rhythm disorders.

Alarmingly, more than a quarter of regular night shift workers, approximately 26 percent, reported experiencing two or more sleep disturbances. When considering all work schedules combined, approximately one in three participants in the study had at least one sleep disorder.

Further analysis revealed that certain demographic factors played a role in the prevalence of sleep disturbances. Women, for instance, were more likely to experience sleep disturbances, although men tended to sleep fewer hours overall.

Additionally, younger participants, particularly those aged 30 or younger, were more susceptible to sleep disturbances, while older individuals experienced less sleep time on average. Interestingly, education level also appeared to influence the prevalence of sleep disorders, with younger and less educated individuals being at a higher risk.

Working night shifts has also been linked to various other health problems besides sleeping disorders, such as diabetes, cancer, and depression. Working during the night disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it difficult to establish a consistent sleep routine.

The researchers emphasize the importance of employers recognizing these health effects and taking action to support their employees.

They call for greater awareness and encourage employers to provide tools and guidance to help individuals deal with the challenges of shift work. By prioritizing employee health and wellness, companies can contribute to a healthier workforce and mitigate the risks associated with working night shifts.