Night Shift Work and Erosive Esophagitis: Endoscopy‑Verified Association
Summary
This large study looked at more than 6,000 male shipyard workers in South Korea to see whether working night shifts was linked to digestive problems. All participants underwent endoscopy to check for erosive esophagitis, a condition where repeated acid reflux damages the lining of the esophagus. The results showed that men working night shifts were more likely to have erosive esophagitis compared to those who only worked daytime hours. Lifestyle habits also played a role: obesity, smoking, and frequent drinking increased the risk, while workers who had Helicobacter pylori infection were less likely to show signs of the condition.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
This study highlights that working nights doesn’t just affect sleep — it can also impact digestive health. Eating meals late at night, when the body’s digestive system is least prepared, may increase acid reflux and the chance of longer-term problems like erosive esophagitis. For shift workers, that means paying attention to what and when you eat is just as important as managing fatigue. Choosing lighter foods during overnight hours, limiting alcohol and smoking, and getting checked early if reflux symptoms appear can help protect your digestive system over time.
Notes
Hospital health‑check cohort.