Association Between Shift Work and Reflux Esophagitis (Endoscopy‑Based)
Summary
This large cohort study in South Korea followed more than 140,000 adults between 2012 and 2018 to examine whether shift work increases the risk of reflux esophagitis, a condition where stomach acid damages the esophagus. Using endoscopy, researchers confirmed over 35,000 new cases. Shift workers had a modest but significant increase in risk compared with day workers, particularly among younger adults and women. Rotating shifts were more strongly linked to reflux than fixed shifts, suggesting that irregular hours may worsen digestive health.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
For people working nights, this study shows that schedules can affect not just sleep but also digestion. Rotating shifts, in particular, were linked to a higher chance of reflux diagnosed by doctors. Younger workers and women appeared especially vulnerable. While not everyone will develop reflux, the findings highlight why night workers should pay attention to digestive symptoms and seek medical advice if problems like heartburn or regurgitation become frequent. Recognizing the risk early can help protect long-term digestive health.
Notes
Endoscopic outcome measure.