The disruption of the circadian cycle caused by night shift or shift work can have serious consequences for an individual's health. When the body is out of balance, it does the opposite of what would be natural, and instead of actions that promote relaxation, such as melatonin secretion, known as the sleep hormone, the body produces more cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone.
Stress, in itself, is a very concerning factor, since continuous exposure to it can trigger cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, and immune system deficiencies.
When this circadian cycle disruption occurs and nothing is done to mitigate its impacts, the person cannot get quality rest—it's as if they never sleep deeply, only taking several naps.
Although some people adapt well to night shift or shift work, research shows that, in the long term, working under these conditions is associated with:
- Mood changes: may cause the person to feel impatient, irritable, and unable to handle problems or conflicts. Many avoid interacting with their coworkers during work hours and may feel less inclined to socialize with friends and family when not at work.
- Decreased testosterone: this hormonal drop is responsible for feelings of fatigue, low energy, and, in some cases, decreased libido.
- Substance abuse: many people with sleep problems self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. This can lead to substance abuse or dependence if the problems persist.
Therefore, pay attention if you notice the following signs from your body:
- If you feel the need to take any medication to sleep or to stay more alert during work or daily routines
- If you start losing motivation to work
- If you feel impaired memory and concentration
- If you feel daytime sleepiness
- If you notice changes in appetite and weight gain/loss
- If you feel you are abusing alcohol and other illicit substances
- If you notice conflicts with coworkers and family
If you feel these symptoms are affecting your personal and/or professional life, you need to seek help from a healthcare professional!
We know that working night shifts or rotating shifts is not always a choice, and when this effort is necessary, you need to be aware that this day-for-night trade-off has harmful effects on your health. The good news is that there are already techniques that help reduce these symptoms and ensure quality sleep, even at different times. We will address each of them throughout this journey.