[Health risks due to long-term stress--night work as an example]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Chronobiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Shift work is prevalent globally, affecting millions of workers.
• Understanding the long-term health consequences of shift work is crucial for worker well-being and healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the time-contingent effects of shift work on health and well-being.
• To compare the health status of shift workers, day workers, and individuals who have ceased shift work.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 301 participants, including shiftworkers, dayworkers, and drop-outs, matched for age and work experience.
• Data collection through medical histories, check-ups, questionnaires, and interviews.
• Analysis of health parameters using an overall "Health Score" and specific morbidity indicators.

Main Results:

• Shift workers' health significantly declines with age, particularly after 12 years of exposure, linked to sleep disturbances, reduced well-being, and increased gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues.
• Day workers exhibited better health than shift workers across all age groups, despite experiencing middle-age health destabilization and higher rates of respiratory illnesses.
• Individuals who stopped shift work showed improved gastrointestinal and nervous symptoms, but persistent cardiovascular disorders.

Conclusions:

• Shift work poses significant long-term health risks, including accelerated aging of health and increased morbidity.
• While ceasing shift work offers some health benefits, particularly for gastrointestinal and nervous systems, cardiovascular health remains a concern.
• Occupational health strategies should address the detrimental effects of shift work on long-term health and well-being.