Abstract

Industrial Revolution and subsequent changes in lifestyle and diet of contemporary human caused an immense increase for several diseases. Night shift has emerged as an additional health risk affecting over than 100 million induvidials around the planet. Studies revealed that incidence of several health problems such as sleep disturbance, fatigue, cardiovascular disease and certain cancer are higher among night shift workers than that of day workers. Incidence of these diseases may physiologically increase as age, therefore night shift may be accepted as a model of accelerated human aging. One of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in night shift related diseases is disrupted neurological and hormonal regulations most importantly circadian rhythms of autonomic nervous system and secretion of melatonin from pineal gland. This paper will give a brief outline of the medical problems that general practitioners and occupational physicians can face and common pathways involved increased health risks in night shift.

Key words: Night-Shift, Risk of Chronic Disesases and Melatonin Rhythm

Article Language: Turkish English