SHIFT WORK AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: A REVIEW OF LONG-TERM HEALTH RISKS

Manju Dewan*

ABSTRACT

Modern economies cannot function without shift workers, especially in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and emergency services that depend on constant operations. While shift work is necessary to maintain productivity and meet societal needs, it also presents significant challenges for workers’ health and well- being. The disruption of the body’s natural circadian rhythm—the internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles— is a central concern associated with shift work. Irregular schedules, including night shifts and rotating shifts, interfere with this rhythm, resulting in wide range of physical, mental and emotional health issues. Numerous studies have demonstrated how shift work negatively impacts employees' health. Long-term sleep disturbance, elevated risk of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, mental health problems and even a higher occurrence of some cancer. The misalignment between the body’s biological clock and the demands of the job contributes to various health challenges including sleep deprivation, fatigue, stress and compromised immune function. This review aims to synthesize existing research on the health issues related with shift work, offering a comprehensive overview of the psychological and physiological impacts. Additionally, the work environment, social isolation and lifestyle factors linked with shift work like unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity, further exacerbate these health risks.

Keywords: Shift work, circadian rhythm, health issues, wellbeing.