People who work night shifts or varied schedules that disrupt their sleep may be more likely to develop depression than individuals with 9-to-5 jobs
, a research review suggests.
How does working night shift affect the 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.
Can working night shift cause depression?
Research suggests that
shift workers may be as much as 33% more likely to have depression than those working a regular daytime schedule
.
Is it unhealthy to work night shift?
Night shift work disrupts the body’s circadian rhythms, or 24-hour internal “clock” that controls sleep-wake cycles. It
increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity
. Studies have shown that eating at night, as many nightshift workers do, impairs the body’s ability to process sugar, or glucose.
Do night shifts shorten your life?
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
.
Can working night shift cause anxiety?
Rotating night shifts too quickly may cause anxiety
and decreased attentional performance, and may impact daytime prolactin levels after night shifts.
How many hours should you sleep if you work nights?
Approximately 25% of people in the U.S.
1
work evenings, nights, early mornings, or rotating shifts. Although maintaining a regular sleep schedule is more difficult for shift workers, they still need the
seven to nine hours
of sleep
2
experts recommend adults receive each day.
What are the long term effects of working night shift?
In addition to cancer, night shift work has been associated with
type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, metabolic disorders, and sleep disorders
(4). Night shift workers might also have an increased risk for reproductive issues, such as irregular menstrual cycles, miscarriage, and preterm birth.
When should I sleep if I work night shift?
It is a good idea to take a nap
just before reporting
for a night shift. This makes you more alert on the job. A nap of about 90 minutes seems to be best. Naps during work hours may also help you stay awake and alert.
What are the medical reasons that can be given to avoid night shifts?
You have been advised by your doctor to stay on a daytime schedule because
the night shift affects your blood pressure in a negative way
. You suffer from insomnia and working a night shift would create additional sleep issues, according to your physician.
How many years does night shift take off your life?
Of the women who worked rotating night shifts for more than six years,
11 percent experienced a shortened lifespan
. Risk of death by cardiovascular disease jumped by 19 percent for those who worked this way for six to 14 years and by 23 percent for those who did so for 15 years or more.
How does shift work affect mental health?
Recent findings: Shift work is associated with considerable impacts on
sleep, depressed mood and anxiety, substance use, impairments in cognition, lower quality of life, and even suicidal ideation
. Pronounced sleep disturbances frequently underlie the mental health consequences of shift work.
How do you stay healthy on a night shift?
- Set a Sleep Schedule. …
- Consume Caffeine in Moderation. …
- Eat Healthy Foods. …
- Stay Hydrated. …
- Exercise Regularly. …
- Schedule Nights Shifts Close Together. …
- Create a Routine. …
- Avoid Alcohol.
What are the benefits of working night shift?
- Better pay. Individuals whose regularly scheduled non-overtime hours fall between 3 p.m. and 8 a.m. typically receive what’s known as a “night shift differential” in their pay rate. …
- Easier commute. …
- More free time during the day. …
- Go back to school. …
- More opportunities. …
- Increased focus.
Why do I feel sick on night shifts?
Night workers can feel cold, shaky, nauseous, sleepy and drowsy at this time.
This is a normal reaction as the body is programmed to be less active at this time
. It can be difficult to stay awake especially if work demands are low. Eat and drink something warm (avoid caffeine) during this period and try to keep busy.
Why is it called graveyard shift?
During the day, the cemetery attendants would listen for bells ringing, but
the shift of workers whose sole job was to listen for the bells of the buried but undead, from midnight to dawn
, became known as the Graveyard Shift.
What is better day shift or night shift?
The
day shift is the body clock friendly shift, where there is always help available and there is a better chance of showing off your skills to management
. Whereas, night shift typically brings financial reward, is great for the night owls and you’ll never get stuck in traffic again.
Does night shift affect hormones?
Within night shift workers,
6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels were lower and reproductive hormone levels were higher during daytime sleep and nighttime work
, relative to nighttime sleep (P < 0.05).
What should you eat on a night shift?
Keep hydrated during the shift—water is best. “Avoid eating between midnight and 6 am, if possible, and if you do need to eat during the night, go for
low calorie, protein rich snacks
—don’t graze your way through the night. “Finally, eat a healthy breakfast before your daytime sleep so you don’t wake up hungry.
How do I go back to day after night shift?
Have a Short Nap
After you’ve completed your last night shift and need to transition to a day shift schedule, it’s best to begin with a short nap. The Other Shift recommends sleeping for no more than three to five hours. Any longer and you may not be able to change to a day shift schedule.
Should I stay up late the night before night shift?
Before your first night shift, it’s a good idea to try to sleep during the day so you are not awake for a full 24-hour period.
Some people may find that staying up late the night before the first shift helps to get them into a routine
.
How does night shift affect relationships?
Research has shown that shift work — especially night shifts or overnight shifts — can cause job dissatisfaction and negatively affect your health.
Shift work may leave both you and your partner with more stress and some very different feelings about the health of your relationship
.
