Consequences of Shift Work and Night Work: Literature Review
Summary
This literature review looked at 129 studies published in 2019 on the effects of shift and night work. Most of the research (over 80%) focused on health problems, showing consistent links to sleep disruption, fatigue, mental health issues, cardiovascular strain, metabolic disorders, and even cancer risk. Far fewer studies looked at impacts on family life (7%) or the workplace (9%). The family-related studies pointed to conflict between work and home life, strained relationships, and negative effects on children’s well-being. Organizational studies highlighted concerns such as more errors and accidents, reduced performance, and absenteeism. Overall, the review shows that shift work affects not just health, but also home life and job sustainability—yet research still pays much less attention to the latter two areas.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
This review confirms what many workers already feel: shift work has broad impacts, from health struggles to family stress and job performance challenges. These effects are well-documented in research, so they’re not just “in your head.” The fact that family and workplace issues are less studied also shows a gap—workers and employers need to take them seriously. Recognizing the full picture can help guide practical steps like healthier scheduling, recovery routines, and stronger family and organizational support systems to make night work more sustainable.
Notes
Open access.