Study confirms severe health effects of night work
"Probably" heightens cancer risk
Working night shifts leads to sleep and metabolic disorders, and even severe diseases, according to a study published on 22 June by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES).
In close cooperation with their European and U.S. counterparts, French experts reviewed 24 recent epidemiological studies. They came to the conclusion that there is a proven link between night shift work and sleep disorders (particularly drowsiness), as well as a connection to metabolic syndrome (a combination of conditions including obesity, increased blood pressure and lipid disorders). The researchers also believe that night work is likely to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, coronary diseases and, due to the disruption of biological cycles, even breast cancer.