Health challenges of working against the body’s natural daily rhythms

Disruption of the biological clock in night shift workers is associated with adverse health effects.

• The biological clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, synchronizes molecular biological clocks in peripheral tissues.
• Circadian rhythms in humans are primarily influenced by the light-dark cycle.
• Alterations in sleep-wake patterns from night shifts may lead to biological clock disruptions.
• Health risks linked to circadian rhythm perturbation include various clinical symptoms.
• Occupational screening for these symptoms in shift workers is recommended to identify health risks.

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