The night shift at work is strenuous and can result in potential health problems like obesity and cardiovascular disease risks may become more important than previously thought, according to a recent study.
The study by Harvard University in Boston and published in the online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed a higher risk of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease among night shift workers.
Night work motivates blood leptin levels are reduced, increasing the risk of long-term obesity and other symptoms include a higher level of stress hormone cortisol and increased blood pressure, according to the report.
Recent studies in animals that underwent change from day to night, even changed sleeping habits and this premature death.
The results of two studies on night shift work, published in 2001, also suggested an increased risk of developing breast cancer in women, possibly because prolonged exposure to light at night, interfering with production of melatonin, a hormone produced in response to darkness.