A report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that working night shifts, as well as working as a firefighter or as a painter, could cause cancer.

How do people who work night shifts sleep?

Night shift workers should try to stay on the same sleep schedule every day of the week. This means that you dont change your sleep time on days off. Keeping a regular schedule will help align your body clock with your sleep pattern. This will increase the quality of your sleep.

What does the World Health Organization classify any nighttime shift work?

Night shift work was defined as work during the usual sleeping hours of the general population, and included transmeridian air travel. Disruption of normal physiological circadian rhythms is the most marked effect of night shift work.

Is it healthy to work overnight shifts?

Sleeping during the day and working at night increases your risk of obesity and diabetes. In the case of night-shift workers, these disorders are caused by an imbalance in hormone production. The real danger here is that even if you eat a healthy diet, the hormone imbalance can still lead to obesity and diabetes.

Whats the best schedule for night shift?

Most people can cope with up to a 2-3 hour shift in their sleep-wake cycle. If you have a few days before you start night shifts, gradually taper your sleep and wake times towards the new schedule, for example, by rising 2 hours later each day and going to bed 2 hours later.

Is night shift a carcinogen?

In any case, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified night work as a probable carcinogen. Millions of Americans, 15 to 20% of the workforce, work night shifts.

What does the World Health Organization WHO say about shift work?

Summary: Night shift work has been consistently associated with higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. In 2007 the World Health Organization classified night shift work as a probable carcinogen due to circadian disruption.

Can night Shift cause health problems?

A person working night shift, which causes disruption to the circadian rhythm, is at greater risk of various disorders, accidents and misfortunes, including: Increased likelihood of obesity. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Higher risk of mood changes.

When should I take melatonin for night shift?

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the brains pineal gland and a signal for when your body is supposed to sleep. Research suggests that a small dose is just as effective as higher doses. Melatonin should be taken several hours before you plan to sleep.

How much sleep do we need World Health Organization?

National Sleep Foundation guidelines1 advise that healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Babies, young children, and teens need even more sleep to enable their growth and development. People over 65 should also get 7 to 8 hours per night.