Working night shifts does not appear to increase the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a recent study conducted at Aarhus University.
The study, led by Ph.D. student Jesper Medom Vestergaard, analyzed data from over 250,000 employees from 2007 to 2015, combining their working time records with hospital records.
The results, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, provide valuable insights into the potential health risks associated with night shifts.
Unlike previous studies primarily based on questionnaires, this research relied on detailed information about working hours and individuals’ health data. The study examined the correlation between the number of night shifts and the risk of coronary heart disease.
The findings suggest that there is no significant association between working up to seven night shifts per month and an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Healthcare Worker Focus
The study primarily involved healthcare workers and other employees in Danish regions, who, on average, worked 1.8 night shifts per month.
Importantly, 93% of the participants worked fewer than seven night shifts per month, and the research did not identify an elevated risk of coronary heart disease among this group.
Consideration of Other Factors
While the study’s results are promising, Jesper Medom Vestergaard emphasizes that this does not imply that all night shift workers are free from potential health risks.
The analysis accounted for various factors, including age, sex, family history of cardiovascular disease, and other diseases associated with coronary heart disease.
The study’s focus on healthcare workers and those with fewer night shifts per month also means that further research is necessary to explore potential risks for individuals with more prolonged or different night shift schedules.
Future Research on Breast Cancer Risk
Jesper Medom Vestergaard plans to conduct additional research to investigate the potential risk of breast cancer associated with night work.
Prior studies have linked night shifts to an increased risk of breast cancer, and further exploration of this topic could provide valuable insights into the health implications of working during nighttime hours.
In summary, the recent study from Aarhus University offers encouraging findings for workers on night shifts, indicating no heightened risk of coronary heart disease when working up to seven night shifts per month.
However, it is essential to recognize that various factors may influence health outcomes, and further research will help provide a more comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and benefits associated with night work.
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The research findings can be found in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
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