According to the National Sleep Foundation, there is a link between working the night shift and long hours and many health problems. These include an increased risk of metabolic problems, heart disease, gastrointestinal difficulties, obesity and some cancers.
Ayurveda Expert Dr. Sharad Kulkarni It is said that if you do not sleep at night, then you can fall prey to many serious and life-threatening diseases. Although sleep deprivation cannot be completely prevented, but through some measures, you can reduce its effects. Let us know the ways to stay healthy while doing night shift.
The body’s circadian rhythm is disturbed
Working the night shift disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm or the 24-hour internal clock that controls the sleep-wake cycle. It increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
A study published in the NIH suggests that eating at night, as many night shift workers do, reduces the body’s ability to process sugar, or glucose.
Mental health remains bad
Night shift workers are more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. Night shift work can also directly affect brain chemistry. A 2007 study found that compared to day workers, night workers had significantly lower levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that plays an important role in mood.
heart disease risk
According to Webmd, working the night shift increases the risk of heart disease by up to 40%. One study found that people working the night shift had a 5% increased risk of stroke every five years. However, the risk of stroke was found to be seen only in people who worked in night shift for 15 years continuously.
risk of metabolic syndrome
Night shift workers are at higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of health problems such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity and unhealthy cholesterol levels. It is a serious risk factor for diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
infertility problem
Night shift work can affect a woman’s reproductive system. According to a study on flight attendants, flight attendants who worked during pregnancy were twice as likely to have a miscarriage. Night shift work is associated with complications during childbirth, fertility problems, endometriosis, irregular periods and painful periods.
severe gastrointestinal trouble
Night shift work increases the risk of peptic ulcers. This increases the risk of common GI symptoms (such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation) and possibly some types of functional bowel disease.
How to avoid the consequences of night shift
Ayurveda experts suggest that if you do night shifts, it is very important to improve your lifestyle and eating habits. Try to have a light meal before 8 pm. It is necessary to drink more liquid food especially at night. Because without sleep the body gets dehydrated. Keep in mind that do not sleep straight after going home after doing the night shift, first have some light breakfast, then go to sleep. By doing this you can reduce the side effects of sleep deprivation due to night shift.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always contact your doctor for more details.