title: [Time to sleep; disruption of the biological clock due to night and shift work].
abstract: Now that the 24-hour economy is putting an ever-increasing mark on social life, the effects of the disruption of natural biological rhythms are becoming clearer. In addition to its effects on sleep, this article discusses its long-term health effects. Potential measures to reduce and counteract the adverse effects of working night shifts on general well-being, sleep and health are summarized; the roles of light and rhythm are explored. Further research into the health effects of working nights and unsociable shift patterns is indicated.
authors.affiliation: UMCG, Universitair Centrum Psychiatrie, Groningen.
authors.forename: Ybe
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Meesters
authors.forename: Marijke C M
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Gordijn
mesh_terms: D001683:Biological Clocks; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology*; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance