Health disorders of shift workers.
The effects of shift work on physiological function through disruption of circadian rhythms are well described. However, shift work can also be associated with specific pathological disorders. This article reviews the evidence for a relationship between specific medical disorders and working at night or on shift systems. The strongest evidence exists for an association with peptic ulcer disease, coronary heart disease and compromised pregnancy outcome.
Knutsson
Anders
A
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Public Health, Mid Sweden University, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden. anders.knutsson@mh.se
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000502:physiology; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*