Shift Work and Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews
Summary
This umbrella review examined 8 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published up to 2020, covering 16 different health outcomes related to shift work. By bringing together results from thousands of workers across multiple studies, the review evaluated which links were strongest and most reliable. The clearest evidence showed that shift work increases the risk of heart attack and type 2 diabetes, especially with longer years of night-shift exposure. Evidence for other outcomes, such as prostate and colorectal cancer, was weaker and less consistent. Overall, the findings suggest that while shift work may affect many aspects of health, the most convincing risks are for long-term heart and metabolic disease.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
For people working nights, this research shows that the biggest long-term health concerns are heart disease and diabetes. The review makes clear that not all reported risks are equally strong — but the connection with cardiovascular and metabolic health is well-supported. This means workers and employers should prioritize strategies that protect heart and metabolic health over the course of a career, such as regular health checks, stable scheduling, and support for recovery.
Notes
Open access umbrella review.