Health hazards for night shifters

Choosing night shifts have become a norm these days especially for graduates and other youngsters. Why do they prefer it? The reasons say that a lot of fresher’s tend to choose jobs that don’t disturb their comfort zones. Waking up at 8 am and getting to the office within an hour is next to impossible for them. Working at nights can mean liberty and suitability but it is also heedless about the bad impacts on health. The contrast in working hours can charge them into serious health conditions.

Cardiovascular disease: This type of disease involves narrowed or blocked blood vessels which can lead to heart attacks, chest pain or stroke. An association with night shifts is increasing in cardiovascular diseases. The recent reports estimate that 40 per cent of them are at high risk of heart diseases. In some cases, there are general conditions such as affecting the heart muscle, valves or rhythm.

Diabetes: The common disease that occurs when the body can’t control blood glucose levels accurately. The rates of diabetes have already increased rapidly throughout the country. Shift workers who work adversely have 60 per cent of chance of getting diabetes. The linkage is with the conditions like high blood pressure, steep in blood sugar, and rise in cholesterol levels. These conditions can lead to serious health disorders.

Obesity: Nightshift workers are addicted to poor diet such as junk food. The intake of food at ill timings and less practice in physical activities can indeed lead to low energy usage. Also, due to the mismatch between the body’s internal circadian clock and sleep pattern disrupts the metabolism of the human body.

Mood disorders: The social isolation definitely takes the psychological hitches in the employees by affecting the brain chemistry, directly. Symptoms of depression and other mood disorders can be noticeable in them. Shift work certainly reduces the serotonin, a chemical that plays a key role in mood swings.

Gastrointestinal problems: Most of the nightshift workers repeatedly suffer from gastrointestinal problems. Nausea, diarrhea, constipation and some types of functional bowel diseases are also possible for them. The ignorance of such conditions can lead to chronic heartburn or GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).

“The apparent risks of shift work might seem alarming. There are some things you can do if you are a night shift worker. Exercising regularly, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight can make a difference. In addition, making an effort to practice good sleep before going to bed can also cheer your mood. If you see yourself in connection with any of the mentioned risks, consult your doctor immediately. It is always better to be alert with the possible risks,” Dr T Srinivasulu, from Gleneagles Global Hospitals, said.