In a new study, researchers found that people who do night-shift work for more than 20 years have a higher risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The research was conducted by a team from the Medical University of Vienna and Harvard University.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
It is a disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves.
In the study, the team examined data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. A total of 83,992 (NHS) and 114,427 (NHSII) women were included in this analysis.
The history (cumulative years) of rotating night shifts was assessed at baseline and updated throughout follow-up.
Overall, 579 incident physician-confirmed cases of MS were identified, including 407 definite MS cases.
The team found generally, no association between history of rotating night-shift work and MS risk in women.
However, rotating night-shift work history of 20+ years was strongly associated with MS risk.
The team suggests that MS risk may increase with a longer history of shift work. It is possible that long-term or early career body clock disruption might be critical for MS.
The lead author of the study is Kyriaki Papantoniou.
The study is published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
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