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Cortisol and shiftwork: A scoping review.

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Shiftwork, particularly night shifts, significantly disrupts cortisol production and the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Irregular schedules cause more disruption than regular ones, impacting overall cortisol levels and rhythm.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Chronobiology
  • Occupational Health

Background:

  • Shiftwork is prevalent globally, affecting millions of workers.
  • Disruptions to the body's natural circadian rhythms are a known consequence of shiftwork.
  • Cortisol, a key stress hormone, plays a vital role in regulating circadian rhythms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the existing evidence on the relationship between shiftwork and cortisol.
  • To characterize the impact of shiftwork on cortisol levels, rhythm, and the cortisol awakening response (CAR).
  • To identify gaps in the current literature regarding shiftwork's chronic effects on cortisol.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was performed across five major databases (Medline, EMBASE, Psych INFO, Joanna Briggs Institute, PubMed).
  • The search covered studies published up to August 2020.
  • Cortisol data were analyzed focusing on levels, rhythm, and CAR during shiftwork.

Main Results:

  • Shiftwork, especially night shifts, significantly disrupts cortisol production, cortisol rhythm, and CAR.
  • Irregular shift schedules lead to greater cortisol disruptions compared to regular schedules.
  • The literature shows inconsistency in defining methods and variables, making it difficult to conclude on rhythm adaptation or recovery.

Conclusions:

  • Shiftwork demonstrably disrupts cortisol levels, rhythm, and CAR.
  • Current research predominantly focuses on acute rather than chronic effects of shiftwork on cortisol.
  • Future research should explore the mechanisms linking shiftwork-induced cortisol disruption to chronic health conditions in shiftworkers.