Is Your Night Shift Job Increasing Your Cancer Risk?

sleep is not the only thing that can be negatively impacted by working night shifts. People who work nighttime shifts are more likely to experience major health issues, such as several types of cancer, according to studies. Because shift work has been linked to malignancies of the prostate, breast, and colon, the World Health Organization (WHO) even refers to it as a "probable carcinogen." This brings up a crucial query: how can employees safeguard themselves without leaving their jobs if night shifts are detrimental? Let's examine the dangers and offer helpful advice for maintaining good health.

Advertisement

Is there a Cancer Risk for Night Shift Workers?

Integrative psychiatrist Shane Creado of Amen Clinics in Chicago discusses the risks of working erratic hours. "Shift work disorder is more than just fatigue. It disrupts the natural cycles of your body, which might result in long-term health problems," he explains. Dr. Creado claims that because of hormonal imbalances and inadequate sleep, night shift workers are more susceptible to diseases like prostate, breast, and colon cancer.

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, women who have worked night shifts for more than 20 years are 19% more likely to develop breast cancer (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Night Shift Work and Risk of Breast Cancer in Women

Go to source). Men with prostate cancer had comparable risks.

Advertisement

Causes of Cancer Risk Among Night Shift Workers

Melatonin:

This hormone inhibits cancer cells. It is activated by darkness. At night, artificial light inhibits the generation of melatonin.

Chronic Inflammation:

One of the main causes of cancer is inflammation, which is exacerbated by inadequate sleep.

Hormonal Imbalances:

Sleep disturbances have an impact on estrogen, cortisol, and insulin levels, all of which are connected to the development of cancer.

Advertisement

Tips for Night Shift Workers to Lower the Risk of Cancer

There are other options to lower cancer risk besides leaving your employment. Instead, concentrate on making minor adjustments to safeguard your health:

Maintain a Set Sleep Schedule

Even on the weekends, go to bed at the same hour every day. "Your body enjoys routine," Dr. Creado says. Sleep during the day if you work nights, but maintain a regular routine.

Plan Your Naps

During a tranquil night shift, are you feeling drowsy? He also advised taking a 20-40 minute power sleep. Quick naps increase alertness without making you feel sleepy.

Make Your Space Sleep-Friendly

Sleeping during the day is difficult. To block light and noise, use earplugs, an eye mask, and blackout drapes. Before going to bed, Dr. Creado advises using relaxing methods like meditation or taking magnesium tablets.

Follow a Healthy Lifestyle

Eat well-balanced meals; stay away from hefty snacks at night. Regularly work out, but avoid doing so shortly before bed. Before bed, cut back on caffeine and screen time.

Millions of people work night shifts, but it doesn't have to be bad for your health. You can reduce your risk of developing cancer and other diseases by being aware of the risks and adopting simple actions. Making better decisions for your body is more important than being flawless, as Dr. Creado states. Make minor adjustments now to give yourself the best chance of remaining healthy tomorrow.

Reference:

1. Night Shift Work and Risk of Breast Cancer in Women - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31689664/)

Source-Medindia