Long hours, disrupted sleep & rising health risks; how to combat effects of shift work

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s bustling IT/ITES and healthcare sectors thrive on round-the-clock operations, making shift work a pervasive reality. This, however, comes at a significant health cost. Studies suggest that shift workers face a 40 per cent increased risk of cardiovascular problems compared to day workers, a statistic mirrored in Bengaluru’s rising prevalence of hypertension and heart disease among tech professionals.

A survey by the National Sleep Foundation indicates that shift workers report sleep disturbances three times more frequently than those with regular schedules, directly impacting Bengaluru’s workforce productivity. Furthermore, metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes are observed to be 20-30 per cent more common in shift workers, attributed to disrupted circadian rhythms and irregular eating habits, a concern reflected in Bengaluru’s growing diabetes statistics. A study within the IT sector of Bengaluru showed that 60 per cent of night shift workers reported symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, long commute times, averaging 45- 60 minutes, further erode sleep quality, exacerbating these health risks.

According to Dr Anantha Padmanabha, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, “Shift work often leads to poor sleep, fatigue, and increased stress, which can raise the risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health disorders.” “A dark and quiet sleeping environment with blackout curtains can improve sleep quality,” he suggests. Avoiding caffeine and electronic screens before bedtime also enhances rest, he adds.