Are there adverse health and safety effects to working shifts?
A shiftworker, particularly one who works nights, must function on a schedule that is not natural. Constantly changing schedules can: • upset one’s circadian rhythm (24-hour body cycle), • cause sleep deprivation and disorders of the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, • make existing disorders worse, and • disrupt family and social life. Scientific studies throughout the world have shown that shiftwork, by its very nature, is a major factor in the health and safety of workers. What are the effects on circadian rhythms? Many human physical functions follow a daily rhythm or a 24-hour cycle. These cycles are called circadian rhythms. The word circadian comes from the Latin “circa dies” which means “about a day.” Sleeping, waking, digestion, secretion of adrenalin, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and many other important aspects of body functions and human behaviour are regulated by this 24-hour cycle. These rhythmical processes are coordinated to allow for high activity
