Impact of Shift Work on the Circadian Timing System and Health in Women

Sleep Med Clin. 2018 Sep;13(3):295-306. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2018.04.003.

Abstract

Women who do shift work are a sizable part of the workforce. Shift workers experience circadian misalignment due to shifted sleep periods, with potentially far-reaching health consequences, including elevated risk of sleep disturbances, metabolic disorders, and cancer. This review provides an overview of the circadian timing system and presents the sex differences that can be observed in the functioning of this system, which may account for the lower tolerance to shift work for women compared with men. Recent epidemiologic findings on female-specific health consequences of shift work are discussed.

Keywords: Chronobiology; Circadian clock; Circadian misalignment; Sex differences; Shift work; Sleep; Women.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Shift Work Schedule*
  • Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / physiopathology*
  • Women's Health*