Elevated incidences of cognitive impairment are observed in individuals who have been exposed to night shift work or rotating shift work.
The association between shift work exposure and cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults
Go to source). Previous research has established that shift work, which refers to any work schedule that occurs outside the traditional 9am to 5pm working hours, has significant health impacts. In the new work, the researchers analyzed data on 47,811 adults in the Canadian Longitudinal Study. The dataset included self-reported information on employment and work schedules alongside results of cognitive function tests.
Impact of Night Shifts on Memory and Rotating Shifts on Executive Function
Overall, one in every five individuals (21%) reported having been exposed to some kind of shift work over their career. Within subdomains of cognition, night shift work was associated with memory function impairment and rotating shift work was associated with impairment of executive function.
Do Doctors and Nurses Need to Nap During Night Shifts?
Doctors or nurses who work more than 3-night shifts in a row can be dangerous to both patients' safety and their own personal safety.
Doctors or nurses who work more than 3-night shifts in a row can be dangerous to both patients' safety and their own personal safety.
‘Middle and older adults exposed to night shift work during their current or longest-held job exhibited increased rates of cognitive impairment. #NightShiftWorkers #CognitiveImpairment’
The authors conclude that circadian rhythm disruption due to shift work could have a negative impact on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults, which warrants further investigation. The authors add: “The study findings suggest a potential link between shift work exposure and cognitive function impairment. We speculate that disruptive circadian stimuli may play a role in neurodegeneration contributing to cognitive impairment; however, additional studies are needed to confirm the association between shiftwork and cognitive impairment as well as any physiological pathways that underlie the mechanism.”
Reference:
- The association between shift work exposure and cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults - (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0289718)
How to Prevent Health Risks Linked to Night Shift Work?
New study findings could lead to novel behavioral interventions aimed at improving the health of shift workers, who may be at an increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
New study findings could lead to novel behavioral interventions aimed at improving the health of shift workers, who may be at an increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Link Between Night Shift and Asthma Risk Identified
Shift work is associated with an increased risk of asthma and/or its severity, stated a new study.
Shift work is associated with an increased risk of asthma and/or its severity, stated a new study.
Shift Workers are at a Higher Risk of Severe COVID-19
When examining COVID-19 risk factors, shift work may be an additional consideration for appropriate intervention and management of at-risk individuals.
When examining COVID-19 risk factors, shift work may be an additional consideration for appropriate intervention and management of at-risk individuals.
