Effect of shift work on human health and metabolism; a preliminary study

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Circadian rhythm or body clock refers to the 24 hour cycle that controls physiological functions such as sleep/wakefulness, eating, hormonal and metabolic functions. When we sleep for 7 to 10 hours, our bodies get adequate rest resulting in stabilisation of our metabolic pattern and immune defenses. Irregular sleep patterns are increasingly common in industrialised countries and many years of shift work increases the chances of metabolic disorders by about 50 to 60%. Shift work disorder may result in excessive sleepiness or insomnia associated with reduction of total sleep time and it may affect 10-38% of shift workers. Irregular exposure to light or disruption of sleep as commonly experienced in shift work or jetlag results in circadian disruption with behavioural consequences such as disturbed sleep patterns, increased food intake, and the hormonal system is unable to cope with excessive nutrients resulting in metabolic shifts towards diabetes and obesity. Gut health can also be compromised with a higher prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome among rotating shift workers, which was directly associated with disruption of the circadian clock. Also, evening shift and widely varying work start and end times may increase risks for gastrointestinal disturbances. Gut microbial balance is known to play an important role in metabolism of food, gut health and obesity. A recent study with just two volunteers showed an increase in faecal Firmicutes following jet lag, which was then reversed to normal pattern after 2 weeks. Our hypothesis is that shiftwork, especially over a prolonged period of time, may disrupt circadian rhythm, resulting changes in metabolism and the gut microbial balance.

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