Shift-Work Can Increase The Risk Of Health Problems, Particularly Related To Metabolic Issues

Previous studies have shown the detrimental effects of shift work on health. Now new findings published in the journal Sleep Health zero on the potential influence of health outcomes that may increase certain differences between workers of higher vs. lower socioeconomic status.

Study authors at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health determine how employees who work shifts outside of a regular 9-to-5 schedule may be more likely to be overweight and deal with sleep issues, as well as certain metabolic disorders that could lead to or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, like diabetes.

For the study, researchers used cross-sectional data from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) that collected information from 2008-2012, which is based on a population-based health examination survey that includes home- and clinic-based interviews and physical examination.

Researchers analyzed 1,593 participants in which measures were assessed from the physical examination to calculate body mass index and determine obesity or overweight status. Type-2 diabetes (T2D) was then assessed in 1,400 subjects with either self-report of physician-diagnosed T2D or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) equal to or greater than 6.5 percent determined via a blood sample.

Findings revealed that shift workers were significantly more likely than those on traditional schedules to be overweight. Furthermore, they also experienced more sleep issues, including insomnia, insufficient sleep, or excessive wake-time sleepiness, all of which can contribute to numerous health issues, particularly pertaining to excess weight.

"This study adds to a growing body of literature calling attention to the metabolic health burden commonly experienced by shiftworkers and suggests that obtaining sufficient sleep could lessen this burden," concluded lead study author Marjory Givens, PhD, in a news release. "More research in this area could inform workplace wellness or healthcare provider interventions on the role of sleep in addressing shiftworker health disparities."