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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
[Effects of shift work on health]
Emmanuel Ntawuruhunga1, Dominique Chouanière, Brigitta Danuser
1Institut universitaire romand de santé au travail, Rue du Bugnon 21, 1011 Lausanne. emmanuel.ntawuruhunga@hospvd.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|December 11, 2008
Summary
Shift work affects 20% of employees, causing health issues like cardiovascular and digestive disorders. It is also a probable carcinogen, requiring medical attention and appropriate management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Medical Research
- Public Health
Context:
- Shift work impacts a significant portion of the workforce in industrialized nations.
- General medical literature inadequately covers the health implications of shift work.
- Recent classification of shift work as a probable carcinogen has increased attention.
Purpose:
- To review health disorders associated with shift work.
- To illustrate the impact of shift work through occupational medicine case studies.
- To discuss appropriate medical and management responses to shift work-related health issues.
Summary:
- Shift work is linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular and digestive disorders.
- Studies indicate a correlation between shift work and adverse health outcomes.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer designates shift work as a probable carcinogen.
Impact:
- Highlights the under-recognized health risks of shift work for a large employee population.
- Provides a foundation for further research into mitigating shift work's negative health effects.
- Informs occupational health practices and clinical management of shift workers.
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