"Researchers have found that shift work is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, ulcers, depression, obesity and high blood pressure, along with sleep problems, such as trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep and excessive sleepiness," he said.
Roughly 15 percent of U.S. workers are shift workers, working outside the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. work day. Defined by the National Sleep Foundation, shift work is any work that occurs during evenings, overnights, rotating shifts or even the early hours of the morning.
"Shift work can add a level of convenience for some families, such as added flexibility related to child care and better pay," says Tapan Desai, MD, a Franciscan Physician Network board-certified sleep medicine and pulmonary specialist in Munster, Indiana.
In addition to some of the positives to working shift work, he says there are drawbacks that he discusses with his patients.
"Researchers have found that shift work is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, ulcers, depression, obesity and high blood pressure, along with sleep problems, such as trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep and excessive sleepiness," he said.
Night Shift Workers Health
Researchers are studying why shift work can cause health problems. Currently at least two different causes can be blamed for these risks - lifestyle and biology.
In terms of lifestyle, shift workers may find less time to exercise regularly and may be more prone to eat a less healthy diet. These individuals also are more prone to feeling isolated, since their jobs may cut them off from family and friends.
The more significant problem with shift work has to do with biology. The body has a natural, internal clock, or circadian rhythm, that is linked to natural daylight and darkness. This rhythm tells us to sleep when it is dark and be awake when it is light. Shift work goes against most people's internal body clock.
This disruption of the natural sleep/wake cycle affects how the body functions and interferes with the natural release of hormones and chemicals in the body, leading to potential problems of the cardiovascular system, metabolism, digestion, immune system, mental health and even fertility and pregnancy.
Night Shift Workers Health Tips
If you work the night shift, you can still take steps to lessen the impact of working all night and sleeping during the day.
Dr. Desai recommends:
Eat healthy and exercise regularly . Since many risks associated with shift work are tied to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues and blood pressure, it is extremely important to make an extra effort to eat well and exercise regularly.
. Since many risks associated with shift work are tied to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues and blood pressure, it is extremely important to make an extra effort to eat well and exercise regularly. See your doctor. Schedule an appointment with your physician if you are having trouble staying awake while working, or if you are having trouble sleeping during the day. Sleep studies and temporary medications can help.
"If you are in good health to begin with, the health risks of shift work are relatively low," Dr. Desai said. "Keep the risks in perspective and control what you can by making healthy lifestyle choices in the areas of diet, exercise and sleep."
Getting More Sleep If You Work Night Shift
Studies have shown that shift workers sleep less effectively than traditional day workers. Shift workers should make an effort to practice good sleep hygiene.
Sleep hygiene tips for shift workers include:
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Sometimes referred to as a “2-2-3” schedule, the Panama shift schedule is a slow shift rotation system where four teams work two separate 12-hour shifts. It's particularly useful for things like emergency services and the healthcare industry where staff are needed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sometimes referred to as a “2-2-3” schedule, the Panama shift schedule is a slow shift rotation system where four teams work two separate 12-hour shifts. It’s particularly useful for things like emergency services and the healthcare industry where staff are needed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Example of a Panama shift pattern
When working to a Panama shift pattern, staff work:
2x days on
2x days off
3x days on
followed by
2x days off
2x days on
3x days off
The cycle then repeats, covering a total of 28 days, at which point the night and day teams will usually swap over.
Shift length tends to be constant when using a Panama shift pattern, but scheduled days off change from one week to the next — making it tricky for staff to make plans without keeping a close eye on their rota.
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The origins of the name “Panama shift pattern” are unclear, but some people believe that this scheduling method was originally developed by United States forces operating in the Panama Canal Zone in the mid-to-late 1900s, with the term — and rota pattern — eventually catching on in non-military circles too.
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