How working night shifts furthers health disparities

Night-shift jobs and their associated health risks tend to fall on the shoulders of those of lower socioeconomic status. As a result, risks of "shift work" tend to go ignored among a population in which chronic health issues are already pervasive, according to The Atlantic.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has called night shifts "probably carcinogenic," according to the report. Other harmful health effects include higher risks of coronary artery disease, diabetes, weight gain and some forms of cancer.

However, these health risks are most closely associated with the practice of "shifting" or "shift work," in which one frequently switches from night shifts to day shifts. Brain studies among those who've done shift work for at least a decade indicate cognitive decline years in advance, according to the report.

Many of the dangers related to shift work have to do with sleep. Consistency is critical when it comes to rest — it's not just about how many hours of sleep we get per day, but when we sleep. Switching from night to day shifts can lead to Shift Work Sleep Disorder, which is defined by increased accidents, work-related errors, irritability and mood problems, according to the report. Someone can stave off these risks if they are able to get into a 24-hour cycle, even if it doesn't necessarily correspond with the hours of daylight, according to the report.

The downside to being solely nocturnal, of course, is this forces one to risk social isolation. However, if a night-shift worker sacrifices sleep to attend a social event during the day or even spend time awake with family or friends, they are more vulnerable to the negative health effects of shifting.

The best strategy for employers who have night workers is to set schedules that allow for a gradual transition between day shift and night shifts, according to the report.

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