Long-term Shift Work Lessens Brain Power

Researchers from the University of Swansea and the University of Toulouse have discovered a link between working sporadically scheduled shift hours and reduced cognition, memory and processing speed. In a study published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, a long-term analysis of current and retired workers was conducted to determine how shift work, known for requiring overnight hours, affected employees both during and after their career. Around 2,000 participants with backgrounds in both shift work and regular hours were given a battery of cognitive tests in 1996, 2001 and 2006 in order to compare their demographics, and then analyze how shift employees adjusted to typical work hours or retirement. Results showed that by disrupting the circadian rhythms of the employees, the memory and cognition of shift workers had been notably reduced. This condition was not a temporary result of recent shifts, as shift workers continued to demonstrate these deficiencies for around five years, even after switching careers or retirement. This new research expands upon earlier studies which revealed that shift work caused excessive physical stress and nutritional imbalances. “The cognitive impairment observed in the present study may have important safety consequences not only for the individuals concerned, but also for society as a whole, given the increasing number of jobs in high hazard situations that are performed at night,” explained the researchers. To read more about this study, click here.