According to Canadian research, irregular work schedules reduce our immune defenses in the event of infection, which can lead to various health problems.
- Working shifts disrupts the immune system, which is linked to circadian rhythms
- For people who work these hours, the risk of infection is increased, especially among men
- Around four million French people work night shifts
Our lifestyle has an impact on our health. For example, working at night, early in the morning or changing working hours frequently can favor the appearance of certain pathologies. In PLoS Communication Biologyresearchers from the University of Waterloo, Canada, explain how staggered hours disrupt our immune system.
Schedules that disrupt our biological clock
Using a mathematical model, the research team analyzed how these rhythm changes affect our immune defences. Working at night is contrary to our circadian rhythm, our biological clock. According to her, we must live during the day and sleep at night, but it also has implications for the immune system. “As our immune system is linked to the circadian rhythm, our ability to mount an immune response varies throughout the day.“, explains Anita Layton, co-author of the study. According to mathematical models, the end of the day, the moment before bedtime, is the worst time to be infected, because our body produces few of the necessary substances. to fighting inflammation. So working staggered hours increases the risk of getting an infection, especially in men.”Male immune systems are more prone to over-activation, which can increase their risk of sepsis from infection“, adds Stéphanie Abo, co-author.
Multiple consequences on health
For several years, scientists have been warning about the risks associated with night work. In 2016, the National Health Security Agency estimated that: “the effect of night work on the quality of sleep and the reduction of sleep time has been proven“. This results in particular in difficulty in getting to sleep or nights that are too short. This way of working also increases the risk of drowsiness. According to this ANSES report, it is also likely to be associated with reduced cognitive performance, diminished mental health, and an increased risk of overweight and obesity. According to Public Health Francemore than four million French people worked at night in 2013.
