- Shift work disrupts the body's internal clock, leading to severe health risks including higher chances of dementia, heart disease, and cancer.
- Scientists are exploring biphasic sleep (two separate sleep blocks) as a potential mitigation for night shift workers, echoing pre-industrial sleep patterns.
- Research shows sleep is crucial for brain cleaning via the glymphatic system, and its disruption may accumulate toxins linked to Alzheimer's.
- The WHO classifies night shift work as probably carcinogenic due to circadian disruption affecting melatonin and promoting inflammation.
- Studies suggest napping during shifts can improve alertness and safety, with ongoing research aiming to develop better sleep guidelines for shift workers.