The results showed that three night shifts in a row moved the brains master clock by about two hours on average. Previous research has linked shift work to obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders that can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Is working night shift bad for 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.

Can night shift make you depressed?

Night-shift work has also been associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and stress. And then theres simple fatigue, which can lead to car accidents, poor decision-making and worsening mood.

Does working night shift affect your memory?

Night shift workers show impaired working memory, processing speed and cognitive flexibility after a night shift42, and more operational errors, occupational accidents and injuries, as compared to day shift workers5,43.

How many years does night shift take off your life?

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.

How long should you sleep after a night shift?

Try to set aside a block of 7–9 hours to dedicate to sleep after a night shift. Have something to eat and drink before you go to bed. Pangs of hunger or thirst may wake you up. Avoid alcohol before you try to sleep.

Should I quit my night shift job?

Working during the nights irregular hours may increase productivity for some but can have extremely detrimental effects on your physical and mental health. However, if you start to experience the negative effects of working overnight, you should immediately consider other work options and quit the night shift.

What is the best sleeping pattern for night shift?

Night shift workers should try to stay on the same sleep schedule every day of the week. This means that you dont change your sleep time on days off. Keeping a regular schedule will help align your body clock with your sleep pattern. This will increase the quality of your sleep.