Shift Work and Metabolic Syndrome Updates: Systematic Review
Summary
This systematic review synthesized 16 recent studies on the relationship between shift work and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Evidence showed that circadian misalignment from night and rotating schedules disrupts multiple metabolic pathways, including glucose regulation, insulin function, cortisol timing, cholesterol balance, and melatonin secretion. These changes were associated with higher rates of abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired glycemic control, and hypertension—core components of MetS. The risk was greater with longer duration of night-shift exposure, while some findings suggested partial reversibility when shift work was discontinued.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
The review underscores that the link between shift work and metabolic syndrome is not incidental but follows recognizable biological patterns tied to disrupted circadian rhythms. For researchers and clinicians, these findings reinforce the importance of monitoring metabolic health in populations with prolonged night or rotating shift exposure. Understanding these mechanisms also highlights potential targets—such as sleep, meal timing, and circadian alignment—for strategies aimed at reducing long-term metabolic risks in shift-working populations.
Notes
Open access.