Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Sleeping during the day and working at night, a recent study reveals, has negative effects on overall health.
While some people might willingly opt to work at night or are compelled to work at such unsociable hours to earn a living, the research showed that such work arrangement, when done three times a week may be sufficient to increase the chances of developing diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders, among other ailments.
The researchers from Washington State University, United States of America discovered that night shifts can cause the body’s protein rhythms related to blood glucose regulation to go haywire.
Also observed was the fact that it hampers energy metabolism and inflammation, influencing the development of chronic metabolic conditions.
Published in the Journal of Proteome Research, a peer-reviewed scientific journal by the American Chemical Society, the study involved a controlled laboratory experiment with volunteers put on the simulated night or day shift schedules for three days.
Following their last shift, participants were kept awake for 24 hours under constant conditions; lighting, temperature, posture and food intake to measure their internal biological rhythms without interference from outside influences.
Blood samples drawn at regular intervals throughout the 24 hours were analysed to identify proteins present in blood-based immune system cells.
The researchers discovered that some proteins had rhythms closely tied to the master biological clock, which keeps the body in a 24-hour rhythm.
They explained that the master clock is resilient to altered shift schedules, so these protein rhythms did not change much in response to the night shift schedule.
However, most other proteins had rhythms that changed substantially in night-shift participants compared to the day-shift participants.
Looking more closely at proteins involved in glucose regulation, the researchers observed a nearly complete reversal of glucose rhythms in night-shift participants.
They also found that processes involved in insulin production and sensitivity, which normally work together to keep glucose levels within a healthy range were no longer synchronized in night-shift participants.
The researchers said this effect could be caused by the regulation of insulin trying to undo the glucose changes triggered by the night shift schedule.
According to them, this may be a healthy response in the moment, as altered glucose levels may damage cells and organs, but could be problematic in the long run.
Reacting to the study, health experts confirmed that individuals working night shifts face a high risk of developing diabetes and obesity compared to those on regular daytime schedules.
Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, they said night shift workers often find themselves battling against their internal body clocks, leading to a cascade of physiological changes, which predisposes them to metabolic disorders.
A Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Olufemi Fasanmade, said night shift duty not only increases the risk of diabetes but also hypertension.
He cautioned Nigerians to avoid night shifts, stressing that it has more negative impacts on the overall health of individuals.
Also, a Public Health Physician, Dr Tayo Adeoye, said night shift work not only disrupts sleep patterns but also influences lifestyle behaviours and hormonal balance.
He explained, “These disruptions can profoundly impact metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and appetite regulation, ultimately increasing susceptibility to diabetes and obesity.
“This study underscores the importance of addressing the social determinants of health. Night shift workers often face additional challenges such as limited access to healthy food options and inadequate support for managing stress.
“To truly tackle the issue of diabetes and obesity among night shift workers, we need comprehensive strategies that address these broader socio-economic factors.”
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