Working night shifts has been a norm for professionals such as nurses, security guards, and police officers for years.

However, recent studies have established that extensive long-term night work can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases for women.

What are the health risks of working night shifts?

An increasing number of studies conducts confirm that working night shifts can disrupt the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. It affects our sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, digestion, and hormone production.

The risk of developing health problems rises as workers spend prolonged hours awake when they are usually asleep during the day.

Chronic disruptions to these biological patterns can lead to an increased risk of depression, sleep disorders, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications.

Unlike men, women are more susceptible to these harmful effects of night work. Older women working night shifts for long periods have an increased risk for developing any disease, including heart disease.

This particular risk is connected to the irregularity of melatonin production and estrogen levels in women.

Studies on the risk of heart problems in women

A recent study held by scientists at the China Medical University was aimed at finding the relationship between night shift work duration and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. They also looked at any differences connected to sex and job type.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2019, was a meta-analysis of 15 studies ranging from 2008 to 2018. The study included data from nearly 280,000 participants; about 80% of them were women, mainly from Europe, America, and Asia.

The researchers discovered that working night shifts for more than ten years corresponded with a 23% higher risk of heart disease.

It was also evident that female participants showed a more substantial association between night shift work and heart disease. In fact, their risk nearly doubled, as they had a 43% higher risk of CVD.

The results of this study offer a broader picture of the severity of the relationship between night shift work and heart disease in women.

The connection between hormones and heart health

The connection between hormones and heart health isn’t new. Studies show that sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen can impact the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.

Having a consistent internal clock or circadian rhythm is crucial in maintaining proper levels of these hormones.

Night shift work can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone released by the brain in response to darkness, and regulate sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin is also found to play a vital role in protecting the heart from oxidative stress.

Research shows that lower levels of melatonin can cause more significant amounts of oxidative stress, leading to heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.

Another hormone disrupted by night shift work is estrogen. Women experience reductions in estrogen when they undergo menopause. This drop in estrogen leads to changes in the heart and blood vessels, escalating the risk of CVD.

Inadequate sleep, which is common in night shift work, can also speed up the process of hormonal changes.

How to mitigate the effects of night shift work on heart health

Night shift work is crucial to keep up the operations of essential services such as healthcare, safety, and security. However, there are measures that workers can take to lessen the risk of developing heart disease:.

Pay attention to sleep: Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule, even during off-days or days off work. Get seven to nine hours of sleep per day, and use blackout curtains and earplugs to lessen the effect of external noise and light.
Invest in healthy food choices: Consume food low in added sugar, salt, and fat but high in fiber and nutrients. Prepare homemade food and avoid relying on food from vending machines or fast servings.
Stay active: Exercise regularly during off-hours or before work to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Spend time outside during the day to benefit from natural sunlight and fresh air.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol worsen the impact of night shift work on heart health.

In conclusion

Working night shifts for long periods may come as a necessity for people in numerous professionals. However, our bodies are not built for these types of routine changes.

It can lead to numerous health complications, primarily an increased risk of developing heart disease.

The risk of heart problems in women is higher due to hormone irregularities. As such, people must take extra care to look after their health and lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing any severe health complications such as heart disease.

By following simple daily routines, workers can maintain good health, and in effect, deliver a dedicated, efficient, and quality service.