The timing of our daily rhythms is strongly influenced each day when light is first detected by our eyes. Light stimulates areas of the brain to tell our bodies to be awake, active, and hungry. When darkness falls, the hormone melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and is produced all night long, promoting sleep. Our master clock in the brain controls the timing of our circadian rhythms so they work together: this harmony is important for a healthy functioning body.
Circadian disruption can harm biologic systems that help prevent cancer. For example, in addition to promoting sleep, melatonin can also stop tumor growth and protect against the spread of cancer cells.
Laboratory animals whose days and nights were disrupted in scientific experiments had reduced levels of melatonin and increased rates of cancer or tumor growth. Animal studies have shown that exposure to light at night led to the growth of breast or mammary-gland cancer.
Moreover, studies among nurses and other night shift workers showed increased risk of breast cancer that was unexplained by reproductive history, lifestyle factors, body mass index, or socioeconomic status. In most studies, an excess risk of breast cancer was found mainly among women who had worked night shifts for many years or at a high frequency, or who had worked a large number of night shifts over their lifetimes.
In addition to cancer, night shift work has been associated with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, metabolic disorders, and sleep disorders 4. Night shift workers might also have an increased risk for reproductive issues, such as irregular menstrual cycles, miscarriage, and preterm birth. Digestive problems and some psychological issues, such as stress and depression are more common among night shift workers.
The fatigue associated with nightshift can lead to injuries, vehicle crashes, and industrial disasters 5. Christina C. Elizabeth A. It must be agreed in writing. National Minimum Wage The National Minimum Wage applies to night workers but there is not a higher night working rate. Limits on working hours for night workers Additional rules apply to night workers on top of the rules on maximum weekly working hours and rest breaks.
Night workers must not work more than an average of 8 hours in a hour period. Regular overtime is included in the average, but not occasional overtime. Workers cannot opt out of the limit. Workers aged 16 or 17 Staff aged 16 or 17 cannot work between midnight and 4am. There are other restrictions on employing young people. Special hazards and mental or physical strain Night workers who deal with special hazards or whose work involves mental or physical strain cannot work longer than 8 hours in any hour period.
The hazards and strains may also be set out in collective or workforce agreements. The records must be kept for at least 2 years. They may work extended shifts more than 8 hours long , rotating or irregular shifts, or consecutive shifts resulting in more than the typical hour work week. Long work hours may increase the risk of injuries and accidents and can contribute to poor health and worker fatigue. Select the statement you most agree with:.
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