Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Shift Work: Meta‑analysis
Summary
This meta-analysis reviewed 8 observational studies published up to mid-2021 to test whether shift work is linked to gastrointestinal disorders. Across the combined data, shift workers were 81% more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than non-shift workers. The analysis showed very low heterogeneity, adding confidence to the result. By contrast, there was no significant association between shift work and functional dyspepsia (FD). The findings suggest that shift work is a likely risk factor for IBS, but not for FD.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
For people working irregular hours, this study shows that IBS is significantly more common among shift workers than day workers. Symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and unpredictable bowel habits are not just individual problems—they are linked to the way shift schedules disrupt digestion and body rhythms. While the research didn’t find the same link with functional dyspepsia, the consistent pattern for IBS highlights the importance of monitoring gut health and seeking medical advice if symptoms persist.
Notes
Limited heterogeneity reported.