A recent study suggested that working night shifts result in a decline in memory for young people. Before this, research also presented several health issues in individuals working the night shift, such as back issues, digestive issues, and other lifestyle-associated problems.
Recent research further suggested that individuals working this odd-hour shift can suffer from memory-related issues when they become middle-aged. The study indicated that nearly 80% of the individuals working the night shift had developed problems regarding their memory.
Furthermore, the study also hinted that cognitive decline is more rapid in those working night shifts than in day shifts. Incidentally, those engaged in the former shift for a prolonged time were at an elevated risk.
This study was conducted by researchers at York University Canada, where they found long-term challenges related to cognition. The study also concluded that individuals in this shift were prone to suffering from a disrupted circadian rhythm.
Other studies related to similar concerns included long-distance pilots as the study population. The study found that the participants experienced an increase in their heart rate during night shifts.
The women employees were found to be at a heightened risk of suffering the negative health impacts than men.
The study listed health issues due to long, odd-timed shift hours as heart diseases, coronary problems, cognitive impairment, and other health issues.
Across the world, many employees have been working the night shift to cater to their target audience. The number of night shift workers decreased from around 9.6 million in 2016 to 8.8 million in 2022.
Several studies associated working the night shift with brain aging, concluding that it can age the organ by seven years. Furthermore, the disruption in the sleep cycle (circadian rhythm) leads to sleep deprivation and inadequate deep and restorative sleep. This enhances the memory decline in such individuals.
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