Work-influenced circadian disruption is associated with cardiometabolic disease risk indicators but not microbiome composition in nurses
In a cohort of 75 Philadelphia nurses, circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) was associated with higher cardiometabolic risk indicators such as hs-CRP, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and with unfavorable work environment factors (e.g., less break time, fewer staff/resources). However, CRD variables were not significantly associated with gut microbiome profiles. Lower exercise, higher exhaustion, less mealtime, and night shifts were specific CRD-related factors linked to elevated risk markers.
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Work-influenced circadian disruption is associated with cardiometabolic disease risk indicators but not microbiome composition in nurses The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Work-influenced circadian disruption is associated with cardiometabolic disease risk indicators but not microbiome composition in nurses
This conclusion is most relevant to: 75 nurses in Philadelphia.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Work-Influenced Circadian Disruption Connected to Disease Risk but Not Microbiomes in a Cohort of Philadelphia Nurses. (American journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology Council, 2026) — In a cohort of 75 Philadelphia nurses, circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) was associated with higher cardiometabolic risk indicators such as hs-CRP, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and with unfavorable work environment factors (e.g., less break time, fewer staff/resources). However, CRD variables were not significantly associated with gut microbiome profiles. Lower exercise, higher exhaustion, less mealtime, and night shifts were specific CRD-related factors linked to elevated risk markers.
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Circadian disruption alters behavioral and physiological rhythms
- ▸Disruption leads to changes in exercise, eating patterns, and stress/exhaustion
- ▸These changes increase cardiometabolic risk markers (e.g., inflammation, blood pressure)
- ▸Microbiome composition is not directly affected by CRD in this cohort
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸75 nurses in Philadelphia
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
- ▸Sample size is relatively small (n=75) and limited to nurses in one city
- ▸CRD was self-reported via surveys, not objectively measured (e.g., actigraphy or melatonin)
- ▸Microbiome analysis may lack power to detect subtle differences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is work-influenced circadian disruption (WICD)?▼
WICD is a concept proposed in this study to describe circadian rhythm disruption that is influenced by work environment factors, such as shift work, break times, and staff resources.
Did circadian disruption affect gut microbiome in nurses?▼
No, the study found no significant association between CRD variables and microbiome profiles, suggesting that the link between CRD and disease risk may operate through other pathways.
Which work environment factors were associated with circadian disruption?▼
Lower exercise levels were associated with less break time, higher exhaustion was linked to fewer staff/resources, and less mealtime was associated with shorter breaks.
What were the main disease risk indicators affected by circadian disruption?▼
Higher hs-CRP, triglycerides, and blood pressure were associated with CRD-related factors like lower exercise, higher exhaustion, less mealtime, and night shifts.
References
- 1.Super C, Asif M, Compher C, Schurr TG, Hoke MK. “Work-Influenced Circadian Disruption Connected to Disease Risk but Not Microbiomes in a Cohort of Philadelphia Nurses..” American journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology Council, 2026. PMID: 42557889 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.70314