Night Shift Work Associates with All‑Cause and Cause‑Specific Mortality: UK Biobank
Summary
This UK Biobank study followed 283,579 workers for a median of 14 years to see how night-shift schedules relate to death rates. Compared with day workers, shift workers overall had a 12% higher hazard of all-cause mortality. At baseline, the increase was seen in those with no/rare night shifts (~16% higher) and irregular night shifts (~9% higher). Looking at cumulative exposure, the pattern was non-linear: only people with 20–30 years of night-shift work had clearly higher hazards—about 52% higher for all-cause mortality and more than double for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.
(Observational study: shows associations, not proof of cause.)
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
The length of time you spend working nights—and how irregular the schedule is—may matter for long-term health. This study links 20–30 years of night shifts to higher risks of dying overall and from CVD (cardiovascular disease). Practical takeaways: where possible, limit cumulative years on nights, reduce irregular night-shift patterns, and keep up with heart-health checks (blood pressure, lipids, glucose), alongside healthy basics (no smoking, activity, diet, sleep).
Notes
Large population cohort; patterns and tenure matter.