What happens to your body when you work at night and sleep during the day
Night work is a reality, and more and more types of jobs are adopting this type of schedule, either because of the nature of the services provided or because of the convenience of the workers in terms of hours. Whatever the reason, the reality is that this type of schedule affects health and well-being on a daily basis.
As specialists in rest, at Morfeo, we are very concerned about sleep quality. That's why we want to highlight the risks to your body when you work at night and sleep during the day. And do our bit to help make these effects less harmful 😉
What happens if you don't sleep at night?
It is normal to work during the day and sleep at night. However, there are jobs that modify these schedules to offer the best possible services.
The medical sector, networks, construction, and even students are affected by these night shifts. But what happens if you don't sleep at night? When you don't sleep at night, your body doesn't rest normally, because the body is prepared to sleep at night.
During this period, we secrete melatonin, a hormone that regulates our biological rhythms and causes drowsiness. Those who work at night must combat this drowsiness with energy drinks, caffeine, food, etc.
Health risks associated with working at night and sleeping during the day
Studies confirm the health risks associated with working at night. One of the main things that happens to your body when you work at night and sleep during the day is hormonal changes. Here are some of the risks associated with night work:
Among the changes that occur in your body when you work at night and sleep during the day, there are hormonal changes that can affect menstruation in women.
Irritability
Not sleeping well, lack of sleep, and not resting properly takes a toll on people's character. This leads to sudden mood swings, irritability, and even resentment in family and social life.
Sleep disorders
Our brain is, in a way, programmed to rest at night. When you work at night and sleep during the day, you tend to rest 1-2 hours less than other people. This has a more significant impact the older you get. The body struggles to adapt and recover from this situation. Not only do you sleep fewer hours, but the quality of your sleep also decreases. You don't get enough rest, and in the long run, this has consequences such as chronic fatigue, lack of concentration, drowsiness, etc.
Stress
Hormonal changes caused by lack of sleep, poor rest, work pace, work-life balance, etc. These factors accumulate day after day and lead to anxiety and stress.
Illnesses associated with working at night and sleeping during the day
Disruption of natural biological rhythms due to night work can cause serious health problems, as noted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).This can lead to the onset of diseases in the medium to long term.
Illnesses associated with working at night and sleeping during the day
Disruption of natural biological rhythms due to night work can cause serious health problems, as noted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This can lead to the onset of diseases in the medium to long term.
Cancer
The World Health Organization indicates that working at night can contribute to cancer, as stated in its study on the risks of cancer associated with night work. Sleep is essential for good health.
Blood pressure
Our bodies are governed by the circadian rhythm(activity-rest), which is like a biological clock thattells us when it is daytime and when it is time to sleep. When this rhythm is disrupted,higher levels of cortisol(the hormone responsible for stress) are produced, causing a significant increase in blood pressure in just one night shift. In the long term, this can even lead to heart problems.
Digestive problems
Not being accustomed to a nighttime lifestyle,eating habits are not tailored to this time of day. The type of diet that is usually followed when working at night and sleeping during the day is unhealthy. People snack between meals, eat large meals, and drink beverages to alleviate fatigue. In the long run, this causes changes in the digestive system, which has to work harder to digest this type of food, potentially leading to permanent stomach problems.
Diabetes
causes changes in glucose levels. In additionto diet and biological changes, working at night and sleeping during the day causes changes in glucose levels. The body's glucose regulation is disrupted, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. In addition to changes in metabolism, this can also lead to weight gain.
Morfeo tips to help you cope better
Just as we would do after eating before starting the afternoon shift, taking a short one-hour nap helps balance our sleep hours and allow our brain to rest.
1. Sleep before going to work
Just as we would do after eating before starting the afternoon shift, taking a short one-hour nap helps balance our sleep hours and allow our brain to rest.
2. Wear dark glasses
When you leave work in the morning, put on dark glasses that block out most of the sun. This will trick your brain long enough to get home, darken your room (which helps you fall asleep), and sleep.
3. Medical checkups
To ensure that there are no serious health problems, it is advisable to have regular check-ups when working at night. This will allow any changes that could pose a health risk to be detected and addressed. How to take melatonin supplements if your body does not produce it naturally.
4. Healthy meals
A balanced and healthy diet will help keep your body energetic, in good shape, and help you sleep better. Don't eat every few hours, but rather establish a routine for these meals. This way, you can prevent weight gain and significant changes in your metabolism.
5. Isolate noise
During the day, there is more movement, voices, shouting, cars, sirens, music, etc., which can disturb your rest. Closing all windows and blinds properly or even buying earplugs can help you get a better night's sleep.
6. A good mattress
However, the most important factor when it comes to falling asleep and getting a good night's rest is the mattress. A good mattress that adapts to your movements and keeps your body in a good position while you sleep. It will promote a good night's rest, as well as prevent possible back problems caused by sleeping on a bad mattress.
If you work night shifts and sleep during the day and want to improve the quality of your sleep, we invite you to try our mattress with no obligation. You'll notice the difference! 😉
