Link Between Stress, Sleep and Shift Work

 

The current Century can be best defined by the arrival of drastic-modern technology, global trade and business, and the rushing desire to stay ahead. As the result of these factors, business entities compete in a world which is active 24 hours a day and seven days a week. This paradox has created a demand for workers who would work for the whole night till the dawn hours of the morning. This working schedule has reversed employee’s lifestyle, making day their time to go for sleep. Shifts often disrupt the normal body functions, hamper sleep patterns, and reduce the body’s serotonin levels. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter found in the nervous system, impacts multiple body functions like mood swings, sleep, sexuality, hormonal balance, and appetite. This neurotransmitter also helps to promote cell regeneration.

 

Studies have shown that non-day shift workers are likely to have lower levels of “feel-good” hormones called serotonin. Scholars and Researchers, at the University of Buenos Aires, studied 683 men and analysed 437 day-shift employees to 246 night-shift employees. The results showed that the night-shift workers’ serotonin levels, measured through blood tests were quite low than those on regular day schedules. In addition to this, night-shift employees were also found to have higher cholesterol and hip-to-waist ratios, hypertension, and higher triglyceride levels.

 Since serotonin levels are responsible for sleep patterns and vital body functions, experiments conducted by universities suggested that non-day shift work may also lead to a severe condition, known as The Shift Work Sleep Disorder. People with such disorder tend to remain awake when they should be actually sleeping. These people are often restless during the waking hours. This disorder takes place due to the work schedule that occurs during a normal sleep period. As the result of this, workers have difficulty getting sleep since their bodies are programmed to be awake and working. The sleeping time and the time of being awake turns different from the expected body’s clock.

 

Other studies predict that non-standard and non-day shift work may affect the cardiovascular health and metabolic rate. The research further suggests that there is a possibility of night-shift work being directly associated with hypertension and obesity which is ultimately linked to other chronic conditions like stress, anxiety, nervousness, and depression.

 

Lifestyle changes and good habits can ultimately lead to improved serotonin levels. To establish a balanced serotonin level, sleep patterns should be qualitative and consistent, and the diet chart must include necessary vitamins and minerals to control this level. Certain drugs, supplements and substances like caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and antidepressant pills should be avoided as these may deplete serotonin production in the body.

People who are willing to improve their serotonin levels can

use prescribed medicines to achieve their life-goals. Proper

supplements like amino acids can be taken to improve the 

body’s ability to produce serotonin. Some other amino acids 

like Tryptophan and Valine, can be taken to support 

serotonin production in the body. However, before taking these pills, patients must seek prior approval of their doctors and other health professionals. Individuals who choose to work in night shift should attain enough rest to keep ill-effects at bay. Positive lifestyle and nutritious meal is the essence to improve serotonin levels and the quality of life.