Many people, from drivers to doctors, work in shifts. Some start early in the morning, others at midday. Some work at night while everyone else is asleep.
Working at night is particularly challenging for the body because it goes against our natural rhythms. How does a person get used to it?
Specialists provide some helpful advice.
How does shift and night work affect our bodies?
Many of our bodily functions shut down at night. Our body temperature drops and our pulse, digestive system and breathing slow down.
“Your body wants to rest and relax, so working against the circadian rhythm (the body’s natural 24-hour cycle) is always associated with greater effort,” says Frank Brenscheidt from Germany’s Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Sleeping during the day is not as restorative as it is at night. You can only get used to night work to a limited extent. Your body cannot be completely reprogrammed, he says.
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