Shiftworkers have a greater incidence of GI and CV disease and illness
Shift workers generally have poorer lifestyle habits (smoke more, exercise less) which contribute to higher rates of cardiovascular disease. However, other factors associated with shift work also contribute to this situation. For instance, shift workers experience higher rates of stress and fatigue, particularly if their schedules do not reflect best practise. They also get less sleep on average than regular day workers and sleep deprivation is a major influence on the development of cardiovascular disease.
Some shift workers are more at risk than others. Our proprietary tools help to identify those at greater risk.
If you are a shift worker, you most likely have experienced some type of gastro-intestinal upset. You may be tired and ‘off-schedule’ and don’t feel like eating or make poor food choices. Most workplaces also do not provide healthy, if any, food choices, especially during the night. Do you know what healthy and convenient food choices are best for shift workers? See pages 47 and 48 in our publication “Working ‘Round the Clock“.