People who work shifts outside normal daytime hours may face a higher risk of poor mental health, with research finding that shift workers had a 33% higher risk of depressive symptoms than those working regular daytime schedules.
The finding comes from a meta-analysis of seven longitudinal studies involving 28,431 participants. Researchers examined the relationship between shift work and mental health and found an association between shift work and adverse mental health outcomes, particularly depressive symptoms.
How Night Work May Affect Mental Health
Working at night can disrupt the body’s normal sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. Changes to sleeping patterns can contribute to sleep disturbances, fatigue and reduced wellbeing, factors that may affect mental health over time.
The meta-analysis found a 33% higher risk of depressive symptoms among shift workers. However, the researchers did not find a statistically significant association between shift work and anxiety symptoms in the same analysis.
The researchers also found differences between men and women. Female shift workers had a higher risk of depressive symptoms than women working non-shift schedules, although the reasons for this difference require further investigation.
What the Findings Mean for Night Workers
The findings suggest that people who regularly work outside conventional daytime hours may benefit from paying particular attention to sleep and recovery. Maintaining consistent sleep routines and allowing sufficient time for rest can be important when work schedules interfere with normal sleeping hours.
However, the research shows an association rather than proof that night work directly causes depression. Previous reviews have also reported varying results depending on the type of shift work, occupation and study design.
The evidence therefore does not mean that every person working nights will develop depression or other mental health problems. Individual circumstances, working conditions and sleep patterns can influence how shift work affects health.
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