Does Shift Work Shorten Your Life?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The World Health Organization has even dubbed shift work a likely carcinogen. Now, new research indicates that

inconsistent hours can cut your life short

. … Shift work increased the risk of death from any cause by 11 percent in nurses who worked rotating shifts for at least five years.

Do night shift workers have a shorter life expectancy?

Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the study found that women who have worked rotating night shifts for five years or more not

only experience shorter lifespans in general

, but also have an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Do shift workers die younger?

After 22 years, researchers found that the women who worked on rotating night shifts for more than five years were up to 11

% more likely to have died early

compared to those who never worked these shifts. …

Do night shift workers die younger?

After 22 years, researchers found that the women who worked on rotating night shifts for more than five years were up to 11% more likely to have died early compared to those who never worked these shifts. …

How bad is shift work for your health?

A person working night shift, which causes disruption to the circadian rhythm, is at greater risk of various disorders, accidents and misfortunes, including:

Increased likelihood of obesity

.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

.

Higher risk of mood changes

.

Is overnight shift bad for you?

Plus, the night shift lifestyle is linked with behaviors that increase

cancer risk

, such as getting insufficient sleep, smoking, eating junk food and getting less sleep. Night-shift work has also been associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and stress.

Is working overnight worth it?

Furthermore, by taking the overnight shift, you might get paid more. Because that shift is generally less desirable, many companies pay employees who work it a considerably higher rate. That could, in turn, improve your

quality

of life, help you build savings, or assist you in paying off debt.

How long is too long on night shift?

Ideally, your night shift naps

should not exceed 45 minutes

. Sleep is comprised of different stages, which complete in cycles of between 90 and 100 minutes. One sleep cycle runs from light sleep to deep sleep. Be careful about how long you nap for in order to ensure that you do not wake up during deep sleep.

Do you get paid more for night shift?

When employers pay night shift workers higher wages than similar employees who work the day shift, this is called a pay differential. For example, a hospital may pay night shift nurses

$10 more per hour to work overnight

. The additional $10 is the differential.

Is night shift bad for your heart?

People who work night shifts are

at increased risk of developing an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rhythm

called atrial fibrillation (AF), according to research published in the European Heart Journal.

How do people survive graveyard shift?

  1. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Your body usually knows what it needs … even if your brain may disagree. …
  2. GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO ADJUST. …
  3. GET THE RIGHT ACCESSORIES. …
  4. TIRE YOURSELF OUT. …
  5. STICK WITH A SOLID ROUTINE. …
  6. POP A MELATONIN. …
  7. STAY SCREEN FREE. …
  8. KEEP IT COOL.

Why is it called the graveyard shift?

Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the “graveyard shift”) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be “saved by the bell” or was considered a “dead ringer.” … The Graveyard Shift, or Graveyard Watch, was the name coined

for the work shift of the early morning, typically midnight until 8am

.

Are you OK with night shifts?

I would be

happy to work night and weekend shifts

if you have a proper security guard in place. I am not comfortable with night shifts due to safety concerns, but I am happy to work any other shift as needed. … I can stay focused for a long period of time without getting tired, so I’m available for any shift.

When should I sleep for night shift?

How To Set a Night Work Sleep Schedule. Sleep consistency

5

is key for many employees working night shift schedules. If you wake up at 5 pm for your night shift and normally go to sleep

at 8 am

after getting home from work, then you also should maintain this sleep-wake schedule on your days off.

How night shift affects your brain?

Working night shifts can mess up the body’s natural rhythms so much that the brain and digestive system end up completely out of kilter with one another, scientists say.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.