Risk and Protective Factors for Shift‑Work Sleep Disorder (UK Biobank)
Summary
This UK Biobank study analyzed data from more than 10,000 night-shift workers to identify factors linked to Shift-Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD), using insomnia symptoms as a proxy. About one in four workers met criteria for this proxy. Men had lower odds than women, and those identifying as Asian or Black also showed lower odds compared to White participants. Older age and higher BMI were associated with greater risk. Personality traits also mattered: higher sociability, warmth, and diligence appeared protective, while higher nervousness increased risk. In contrast, chronotype, smoking, alcohol use, and years in the current job showed no consistent associations.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
The study shows that not all night-shift workers are equally vulnerable to SWSD. Demographics, weight, and personality traits may shape who struggles most, while lifestyle habits like alcohol and smoking were less relevant here. For workers, this highlights that both individual traits and aging can affect how well people tolerate night schedules, pointing to the need for personalized approaches to prevention and support.
Notes
Open access.