Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
08:36
Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
Metabolic syndrome and shift work: a systematic review
Raquel Canuto1, Anderson S Garcez, Maria T A Olinto
1Post-graduate Programme in Endocrinology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.
Sleep Medicine Reviews
|March 28, 2013
Summary
This review found limited evidence linking shift work to metabolic syndrome (MetS) when considering confounding factors. More research is needed to clarify this association, especially regarding sleep duration.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Metabolic Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Shift work is common and may impact health.
- Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions increasing disease risk.
- Understanding the link between shift work and MetS is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies on the association between shift work and MetS.
- To identify and examine potential confounding factors in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for original articles.
- Inclusion criteria and quality assessment using a validated checklist.
- Synthesis of findings from 10 selected studies.
Main Results:
- Eight of ten studies found a positive association between shift work and MetS, controlling for socio-demographic and behavioral factors.
- Definitions of MetS and shift work varied across studies.
- Results were discordant when sleep duration was considered as a confounder in only three studies.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence exists to confirm the association between shift work and prevalent MetS when confounders are adequately addressed.
- Further research is required to elucidate the role of confounders, particularly sleep duration.
Related Concept Videos
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent years,...
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
01:26Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
01:24Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation
During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
01:15Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
01:19Factors Affecting Drug Biotransformation: Biological
Biological factors significantly impact drug metabolism, influencing drug clearance, efficacy, and potential toxicity.
Species differences: Variations in enzyme systems across species can cause disparities in drug metabolism. For instance, humans may metabolize certain drugs faster than rodents, altering therapeutic effects.
Strain differences: Genetic variations within a species can result in differing enzyme activity, impacting drug response and toxicity. For example, some mouse strains may...
Species differences: Variations in enzyme systems across species can cause disparities in drug metabolism. For instance, humans may metabolize certain drugs faster than rodents, altering therapeutic effects.
Strain differences: Genetic variations within a species can result in differing enzyme activity, impacting drug response and toxicity. For example, some mouse strains may...