Medical professional expresses concerns over potential hazards associated with working during the night
Working those late nights, juggling irregular schedules, and never saying no to extra hours could be more than just a drain on your energy — it could seriously harm your health. That's according to Dr. Marat Farrakhov, therapist and pulmonologist, who spoke to RuNews24.ru.
This unhealthy work lifestyle can wreak havoc on your body, boosting your risk of some serious conditions.
The Heart of the Matter
Farrakhov warns that this roller-coaster working routine significantly increases the likelihood of heart attacks and other cardiovascular calamities. In addition, it messes with normal metabolic processes, setting the stage for weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
Mind the Gap; Digestive Problems and More
But it doesn't stop there. Your stomach might not be immune to the chaos. An unpredictable daily routine can lead to digestive problems, thanks to inconsistent eating patterns.
In the long run, you might also experience anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout, struggle with sleep disturbances, and find yourself at a higher risk for certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.
Overtime: Not Always a Golden Ticket
Not everyone is volunteering for those extra hours anyway. A study by SuperJob service reveals that close to half of Russians surveyed clock in no more than 40 hours a week and aren't tempted by overtime.
Before, Russian workers might have been given reasons why overtime pay might not always materialize.
Long-term Health Consequences
Here's the lowdown on the impact of excessive work hours and irregular schedules on our health:
Cardiovascular Disease
Night shifts and long work hours are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD). Women might face a slightly higher risk over men[1][2].
Metabolic Disorders
Chronic sleep deprivation, common with night shift work, can result in metabolic issues such as weight gain and increased risks of diabetes[2].
Cancer Risk
Long-term night shift work has been classified as a probable carcinogen, increasing the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer[3][5].
Psychological Health
Irregular schedules and night shifts can lead to sleep disruptions, chronic fatigue, stress, and burnout, which often coexist with symptoms of anxiety and depression[4].
Sleep Disorder and Circadian Misalignment
Continuous exposure to irregular work schedules disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythms, causing sleep disturbances and having substantial effects on overall health and well-being[4].
Constant Overtime: A Ticking Time Bomb for Health and Well-being
Overtime is often linked to poor diet choices, extended sitting periods, and reduced physical activity, fostering conditions conducive to obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and burnout[4].
The Added Twist: Work-life Balance and Performance
Excessive overtime can ruin work-life balance, leading to dissatisfaction, decreased job performance, and even distance from loved ones[4].
Taking Control: Steps to Minimize Risks
To combat these health issues,the following remedies come to light:- Flexible Scheduling: Offer workplace flexibility to maintain circadian rhythms and juggle personal obligations.- Wellness Programs: Implement wellness programs that encourage physical activity, healthy diets, and mental health support.- Sleep Recovery Programs: Develop structured sleep recovery plans for employees subjected to night shifts and overtime[2][4].
- Excessive work hours and irregular schedules can significantly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and ischemic heart disease, particularly for women.
- Chronic sleep deprivation, common with night shift work, can result in metabolic issues like weight gain and increased risks of diabetes.
- Long-term night shift work has been classified as a probable carcinogen, increasing the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer.
