Shifting Rhythms: Systematic Review of Night Shift Work and Cardiovascular Biomarkers
Summary
This systematic review examined 14 studies published over the past decade, including systematic reviews, cohort studies, and cross-sectional research, to explore how shift work affects cardiovascular health. The evidence consistently showed that people working night or rotating shifts face higher risks of conditions such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome. These risks tended to rise with longer years or higher frequency of night-shift exposure. Alongside these clinical outcomes, studies also found biological changes — such as higher blood pressure, impaired glucose control, abnormal cholesterol patterns, and increased inflammatory or oxidative stress markers — that help explain why shift work may strain the cardiovascular system.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
For night-shift workers, this review underscores that irregular schedules can affect the heart in both visible and hidden ways. Not only are shift workers more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases over time, but even before illness appears, their bodies often show signs of stress in blood pressure, metabolism, and inflammation. These findings make clear that the impact of night work is not limited to tiredness — it can leave lasting marks on cardiovascular health. Recognizing these risks helps frame why ongoing research and workplace policies aimed at prevention are so important for long-term well-being.
Notes
Open access.