Effect of night shift on development of metabolic syndrome among health care workers

Circadian desynchronization, sleep deprivation, changes in eating habit, and lack of physical activity resulting in an increase in pro-inflammatory markers in night shift health care workers is associated with various risk factors for the development of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to estimate the pro-inflammatory markers in night shift work and find its relationship with different criteria of metabolic syndrome.

A total of 303 participants were recruited for the study. Demographic data and parameters pertaining to the development of metabolic syndrome were taken. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs CRP) as proinflammatory marker was analyzed. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were estimated. Criteria for metabolic syndrome were taken according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) guidelines.

Night shift workers had higher hs CRP compared to day shift workers. TG and FBS were increased significantly (P < 0.001). A total of 6.5% of the night shift workers had a waist circumference greater than 40 inches. It was observed that night shift workers with higher hsCRP had significantly high waist circumference (P < 0.001) and FBS (P < 0.05). A total of 3.57% of the night shift workers were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome with three criteria positive.

Night shift work is associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory markers and the development of risk factors leading to metabolic syndrome. Thus, early screening and management of risk factors among night shift health care workers may improve their health status and prevent the development of MS.