Harmful effects of working regularly on night shifts
Working regular night shifts can pose challenges to a person's physical and mental health, explains Dr G Sushma, clinical nutritionist, CARE Hospital, Hyderabad.
During this, your sleep cycle will be disrupted and can increase your stress levels. Long shift work is associated with a higher risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes, as well as cardiovascular problems.
And Dr. Aditya S Chowti, senior consultant, internal medicine at Fortis Cunningham Hospital (India) - noted that interrupted sleep cycles cause stress that can lead to headaches, stomach pain and high blood pressure. high pressure. Additionally, maintaining personal relationships and hobbies can become difficult with busy schedules and is not suitable for most people.
According to doctors, engaging in long-term shift work is bad for your health, but there are some strategies and tips that can help you take care of your health when working night shifts.
Health care tips
Sleep management: Establish consistent sleep habits, even on non-work days. Create a favorable, dark, quiet and comfortable sleeping environment.
Take regular breaks: Incorporate short breaks into your work shift to combat fatigue. Use this time to stretch, take a brisk walk, or participate in activities that help refresh your mind.
Taking breaks can contribute to improving concentration and preventing exhaustion during long night hours.
Maintain Energy: Proper nutrition is important for maintaining energy levels during long work shifts, preventing fatigue and optimizing overall performance.
Nutrient-rich foods positively influence mood and cognitive function, which is essential to combat mental stress associated with irregular work hours.
Exposure to light: Exposure to natural light plays an important role in regulating your circadian rhythm.
Spend time in natural sunlight during waking hours, especially before or after work shifts.
Regular health check-ups: Schedule regular health check-ups to monitor and promptly resolve new health problems that arise.
Stress management: Practice stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing or yoga to effectively manage stress related to irregular work hours.
