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Dr. Mercola
August 03 2007
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Work on a Rotating Shift? Then You Probably Have Lower Levels of Serotonin

People who work rotating shifts during the night and early morning have significantly lower levels of the hormone and neurotransmitter serotonin, according to a study of 683 men.

Serotonin plays an important role in the regulation of sleep, and low levels have been linked to:

  • Sleep problems
  • Anger
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

In the study, men who worked hours when the body typically expects to be sleeping (shifts starting at 6 p.m.) had notably lower levels of serotonin than those working shifts during the day (starting at 6 a.m.).

Anywhere from 2 percent to 5 percent of the U.S. population is thought to have sleep problems related to shift work. Shift work sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that is caused by a work schedule that takes place during the normal sleep period, thereby confusing your body’s internal clock.

The disorder can result in trouble sleeping, severe fatigue, poor sleep quality, and not feeling refreshed upon waking. The ensuing fatigue can affect work performance and alertness, and may also increase your risk of getting injured at work.

Rotating shift workers typically sleep one to four hours less than average, and often feel fatigued when they’re awake.

Sleep August 1, 2007 

Science Daily August 1, 2007



Dr. Mercola Dr. Mercola's Comments:
I believe that many of you underestimate the importance of your body’s internal clock, or your circadian rhythm. This sleep/wake cycle has evolved since the beginning of time, and if you violate these very powerful biorhythms, you are asking for trouble.

Before the invention of the light bulb, it was easy to listen to and follow your circadian rhythm. You had no choice but to wake and sleep with the rise and fall of the sun if you wanted to get your work done.

Today, electric light means that you can stay up 24 hours a day, if you like, and still be productive. The temptation to burn the midnight oil can indeed be a strong one, and a 2006 study found that the two main causes why people get insufficient sleep -- and rack up a sleep debt -- were long work hours and long commutes.

Some of you, however, are working the night shift not by choice but by necessity. People in developed countries are fortunate to have access to emergency medical care, police help, and firefighters at any time, day or night.

The ones who get the short end of the stick are those who get stuck working the night shift, either because they are providing a valuable service or, perhaps, because they’ve taken on a second job trying to make ends meet.

There’s no question, though, that staying awake all night, while your body expects to be sleeping, is harmful to your health.

For example, a disrupted circadian rhythm may influence cancer progression through shifts in hormones like melatonin, which your brain makes during sleep. And, studies have linked night shift work to an increased risk of:
Further, having a lower amount of serotonin, as this study found, can easily wreak havoc with your mood.

As with most things in life, though, there ARE rare exceptions to this rule. Some people, including some of those who have commented on this article, may very well feel fine working the night shift. This may be because their bodies are strong enough, physically and mentally, to handle the disruption in the short term, however it is my strong belief that they are compromising their long-term health.

Over time, however, working the night shift is far from ideal. Yes, someone has to do it. But if it is you, I would strongly suggest trying to switch your hours, or at the very least not keeping the night shift for longer than a couple of months at a time (and giving your body a chance to readjust in between).

Anyone who is switching from a night shift to a day shift can follow these 33 secrets for getting a good night’s sleep to get their sleep schedule back on track.

Bottom Line

It is hard to argue with many thousands of years of genetic history that simply can't be overturned in a few generations because of electric lights. There are serious penalties to pay if you violate these natural laws.  The primary one is that you will simply not live out your full life expectancy.  Ayurvedic medicine has been around for about 5,000 years and chronobiology is a central element of this teaching.  They honor going to bed when the sun goes down and arising when it comes up.  India is of course, closer to the equator and doesn't have such wide swings in daylight as many of us have throughout the year, but I believe, for the most part, this is valid for most of us.

After stating my opinion though I want to emphasize that the primary rule is to listen to your body, and if it strongly tells you that violating thousands of years of human history is good for you, and you are not engaged in some sort of self serving excuse, then go for it. Your body is a great source of feedback. My experience however, is that it is very rare for most to be honestly and consistently in communication with their body's signals and that is a powerful reason why so many get sick and refuse to consider alternative strategies.
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Community Comments ( 40 )
 		Comment on this Article
  
  
labrat
 [ Joined on 09/06 ] [ Posted on August 4, 2007 ]
12 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
I love, love, love working nights. It's much LESS stressful for me. After 7 years of working nights, I switched to days for 6 months. I was never more miserable in my life.

Some of us are just not morning people. Some of us toss and turn all night, but sleep like  baby during the day.

I don't have any health issues - nor am I angry or depressed.

Do any of these researchers distinguish between those of us who work nights by choice and prefer it vs those that don't? Do they measure serotonin levels at the right time for a night person? Do they even know when that might be?
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
farmercist
 [ Joined on 08/07 ]  [ Posted on August 6, 2007]
9 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola
Everyone is different.....I also think night shift is great.  I wake up refreshed after only 4 or 5 hours of sleep.  If I worked days I'd have to deal with the aggravation and stress of working with my co-workers.  That would definitely shorten someones life one way or another. 

Mercola
  
Kar_Kar
 [ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on August 6, 2007]
8 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola
I agree, Farmer...my previous job was so miserable...I was having anxiety attacks and was really depressed.  I would have gladly taken a pay cut and a night shift or rotating shift position to get out of it.  Luckily I didn't have to, but even still, there is no doubt in my mind that my health would have improved on the night shift regardless.  If working days is stressful for you, which is worse?
Mercola
  
Tom Henkel
 [ Joined on 02/07 ]  [ Posted on August 25, 2007]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola

I've been working a night shift for 10 years and sleep well during the day. I wonder if those who lived somewhere else - say, Europe - and moved to another place on the planet have issues with sleep in the same way that some have with shift work.I do agree that there's less stress on the night shift: parking is better, no lines at the market, no supervisor sitting on one's shoulder, no traffic tie-ups getting to work, etc.
Mercola
  
Gudni Einarsson
 [ Joined on 11/07 ]  [ Posted on December 1, 2007]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola

I like working night shift and I do not have any problem with sleep. But I have had periods that sleep was not so good. But mostly it has been good and it is pleasure not having to deal with stressful people and society.

  
  
Reesacat
 [ Joined on 01/07 ] [ Posted on August 2, 2007 ]
6 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
I was a young RN working on a busy med/surg floor rotating shifts.  After a year I had developed CFIDS, endometriosis and ended up having a totaly hysterectomy at age 27.

I do believe the physical stress of rotating shifts contributed to my health problems.

Dr. Mercola had an article a few months ago with similar conclusions, and suggested if you rotate shifts or work nights, change jobs because it just might save your health or even your life.
 [ Reply ]
  
  
annapavlova42
 [ Joined on 02/07 ] [ Posted on August 2, 2007 ]
4 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
When I was growing up, Shift working was very rare.  My state litterly closed down at 9 pm working week.

Because of the greed for money, people are forced to except the uncall-for hours.  

This ofcourse, will help our wonderful pill pushers, to  find another way to say someone has a new illness and they must take replacement medication, instead of looking for day time work.

That to,can be a problem.  Our economy is in bad shape, and their are thousands of people who have no choice, but to work the hours they are told to.

How to help these people out??????

I wish I knew.
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
Kar_Kar
 [ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on August 3, 2007]
4 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola
Because of the greed for money?  Judgemental much?  Are they devil worshippers too? 

It's not all about greed.  Some things in this day and age require round the clock supervision.  It's easy to say that everyone should get a day job, but it's not that easy for some.
Mercola
  
Alaskadude
 [ Joined on 02/07 ]  [ Posted on August 3, 2007]
5 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
I bet shift work wasn't as rare as you think, and I bet you'll be glad some poor schmuck of a doc or nurse is there to save your torn up day shift body after you've been in a car wreck some night...Alternative/natural medicine is great but good diet, right attitude and a truckload of herbs aren't going to keep you alive when all your blood is in the street.

For every one that leaves night shift and goes to days, someone has to replace them.
That being said, I left night shift years ago and took a pay cut to do it. I can personally vouch for the bad effects of being awake when you should be sleeping.
I just think we need to have a little understanding.  Shift workers are not necessarily greedy. I think that's an insane conclusion to draw from this.
Mercola
  
annapavlova42
 [ Joined on 02/07 ]  [ Posted on August 3, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
My sentence about greed of money was not directed to the workers.  That sentence was directed to the owners of these business'.

If you find an incomplete thought, be kind enough to help correct the person, and be kind enough not to insult.
Mercola
  
veggienut
 [ Joined on 09/06 ]  [ Posted on August 3, 2007]
6 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
Anna, I think your statement was clear.  I didn't take it that you were calling shift workers greedy.  I think some people just jump to be defensive.
Mercola
  
Kar_Kar
 [ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on August 4, 2007]
6 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola
I knew you weren't talking about the workers.  But to call greedy the people that are in charge of emergency rooms, vet emergency clinics, police officers, firefighters, electricity plant maintenence, ports of call, military posts, 911 operators...I could continue but anyway calling those in charge of these services greedy is just ridiculous.

Beyond that, some people have to work very hard to make ends meet and they choose to take second (night) jobs.  You could call their bosses greedy, or you could call them a godsend for helping someone make ends meet to support their families.

We can talk all day about how it would be better for everyone to get a good night's sleep and eat right, etc., but don't be ignorant about the real world.  It just doesn't work that way.  Yes, health care reform, living wages, policy changes, getting more information to the masses, I'm all for it, but be realistic and please stop lumping everyone into the same evil-greedy-greederson category. 
Mercola
  
Skyguy
 [ Joined on 12/06 ]  [ Posted on August 24, 2007]
6 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

As a fireman/paramedic, I wouldn't call the people I work for greedy either. I work for the people of the city I live in. Usually they or their property is on fire, or they are dying or at the very least extremely ill. I am not greedy either. I do what I do to serve others. You couldn't pay me enough to do what I do.
  
  
Magnolia
 [ Joined on 06/06 ] [ Posted on August 5, 2007 ]
3 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
Seldom do I see such defensiveness on this blog. Someone or someones must be suffering from a lack of sleep...?
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
veggienut
 [ Joined on 09/06 ]  [ Posted on August 5, 2007]
5 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
Interesting, isn't it?  Makes you wonder....this topic seems to be more controversial than politics.
Mercola
  
Kar_Kar
 [ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on August 6, 2007]
7 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola