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Shift work exposure is associated with adverse sleep-related and mental health outcomes in adult workers

This systematic review of 11 studies found that shift work exposure is associated with sleep-related outcomes such as insomnia, poor sleep quality, and shift work sleep disorder, as well as mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. The review included diverse occupational groups across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, with overall moderate to high methodological quality.

Last updated: Jul 8, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Association Between Shift Work and Mental Health and Sleep Outcomes in Working Adults: A Systematic Review.

observational

Shaikh SS, Kilic A, Okoro C, Rai M, Rajapandian R, Hakeem S, Mohammed L · Cureus (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Shift work exposure (various shift schedules)
Outcome: Sleep-related outcomes (insomnia, poor sleep quality, shift work sleep disorder) and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Adult shift-working populations including healthcare workers, correctional officers, and industrial workers

Result:

PubMed: 42395194DOI: 10.7759/cureus.110089

Mechanism Graph

Shift work disrupts circadian rhythms
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Circadian disruption affects sleep regulation
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Sleep disruption contributes to psychological stress
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Result: Increased risk of adverse sleep and mental health outcomes

Limitations

  • ⚠The review included only 11 studies, limiting generalizability
  • ⚠Studies were observational, preventing causal inference
  • ⚠Heterogeneity in shift work definitions and outcome measures across studies

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific sleep problems are linked to shift work?▼

The review found associations with insomnia, poor sleep quality, and shift work sleep disorder.

Which mental health conditions are associated with shift work?▼

Depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue were reported as associated mental health outcomes.

What types of workers were included in this review?▼

The studies involved healthcare workers, correctional officers, and industrial workers across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.

Does this review prove that shift work causes mental health problems?▼

No, the review is based on observational studies, so it shows association but cannot prove causation.

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References

  1. 1.Shaikh SS, Kilic A, Okoro C, Rai M, Rajapandian R, Hakeem S, Mohammed L. "Association Between Shift Work and Mental Health and Sleep Outcomes in Working Adults: A Systematic Review.." Cureus, 2026. PMID: 42395194 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.110089
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.