Shift work, in particular
night work, can have a negative impact on the health and well-being
of workers.
In the short term, working shifts
can cause sleep disturbances, fatigue, stress,
irritability, shift-lag syndrome, psychosomatic
troubles, difficulties in family and social contacts
and errors and accidents.
In the long term, there is an
increased risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular
and psychoneurotic diseases, and women shiftworkers
can experience adverse effects on their hormonal and
reproductive functions and family roles.
Studies in the UK have found that, compared with
day workers, shift workers:
- suffer 2 to 5 times the rate of stomach disorders;
- are 40% more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease;
- suffer from peptic ulcers at an earlier age;
- suffer more from anxiety and depression;
- are more likely to die younger.
Understanding how shift work adversely effects the
human body, together with learning simple strategies
for improving sleep and eating habits, particularly
on night shift, will help you to minimize the risks
to your health and safety and that of your colleagues,
and improve your general feeling of well being.
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