Night shifts harm mental health

A new study suggests that working night shifts may have a negative effect on mental health.  People who work at night may experience more stress anxiety and depression than those who work during the day.

Researchers reviewed seven previous studies involving 28,438 people.  They looked at the participants working hours and mental health and found that night-shift workers were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

According to the findings around 33% of people working night shifts showed signs of depression or anxiety compared with those working daytime shifts.

Luciana Torquati from the University of Exeter who led the study explained that night work can disturb the body’s natural clock.

Our bodies are designed to sleep at night and stay active during the day so working against this natural pattern can affect sleep and mood. Poor sleep and an irregular routine may also cause irritability and mood changes.

Night shift workers may feel lonely or disconnected from others because their work schedule can make it harder to spend time with family and friends.

The study also reported that night shift work may have a stronger negative effect on women’s mental health than on men’s. Overall the research suggests that working at night may affect not only sleep but also a person’s mood relationships and overall mental well being.