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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Will Night Shift Job Decrease Life Expectancy?

My father works night shifts and wants to know if this is going to decrease his life expectancy. Is it actually working during the night that decreases it or is it the sleep deprivation that often goes along with night shift work that causes the health problems?
Fri, 20 Jun 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare magic.

I have read the query and the answer to your question is yes.There is definitely health risk while working in night shifts as by doing this a the normal circadian rhythm of a person is disturbed.Circadian rhythm is responsible for alertness in the morning while inducing sleep as it darkens.

Working in the night requires going against the rhythm resulting in fatigue,decreased concentration in activities,susceptibility to diseases like heart disease,diabetes,etc. which can decrease the life expectancy.

I suggest him to avoid night shifts if possible,but in case if its not possible he should at least have a proper sleep in daytime preferably in a dark room,have coffee,tea in the night to keep himself alert in the night.

Hope this answers the query.

Regards,
Dr.Tushar Tamboli
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Will Night Shift Job Decrease Life Expectancy?

Hi, Welcome to healthcare magic. I have read the query and the answer to your question is yes.There is definitely health risk while working in night shifts as by doing this a the normal circadian rhythm of a person is disturbed.Circadian rhythm is responsible for alertness in the morning while inducing sleep as it darkens. Working in the night requires going against the rhythm resulting in fatigue,decreased concentration in activities,susceptibility to diseases like heart disease,diabetes,etc. which can decrease the life expectancy. I suggest him to avoid night shifts if possible,but in case if its not possible he should at least have a proper sleep in daytime preferably in a dark room,have coffee,tea in the night to keep himself alert in the night. Hope this answers the query. Regards, Dr.Tushar Tamboli