Night Shift Work and Depression: Meta‑analysis of Observational Studies
Summary
This meta-analysis reviewed 11 observational studies to assess whether night-shift work is linked to depression. Across nearly all study types and populations, night-shift workers had a 43% higher risk of depression compared with day workers. The association was consistent across gender, occupation, and geography, strengthening the evidence that working nights disrupts circadian rhythms in ways that affect mental health.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
This research confirms that night-shift schedules are tied to higher rates of depression, not just in certain jobs but across different groups of workers. For individuals, it highlights the importance of protecting recovery sleep, monitoring mood changes, and seeking support early. For employers, the findings show that supporting mental health — through stable schedules, counseling resources, and stigma-free workplace policies — is just as critical as managing fatigue or safety risks.
Notes
Open access.