Night work would have an impact on the human body’s internal clock. This is not without consequences on fertility, particularly that of women. Explanations.
What is circadian rhythm?
According to a study presented at the Congress of the European Society of Endocrinology in 2023, night work would disrupt the circadian rhythm, which would have negative effects on women’s fertility.
As a reminder, the circadian rhythm is in a way the internal body clock of the human body. This biological rhythm extends over approximately 24 hours and controls certain physiological processes such as sleep, eating, reproduction, hormone secretion and even digestion.
Circadian rhythm can easily be disrupted by exposure to light, particularly through exposure to artificial light during the night.
Researchers from the University of Strasbourg have previously demonstrated that working at night for several weeks had a negative effect on pregnancy rates in female mice.
This new study presented at the Congress of the European Society of Endocrinology reveals that night work for several weeks, by disrupting the day/night cycle, led to a reduction or even cessation of the production of luteinizing hormone.
However, this hormone is necessary for the triggering of ovulation, essential for conceiving a child.
Night work: what are the health risks?
According to the National Institute for Research and Safety at Work (INRS), working regularly at night can bee harmful to the health of employees.
Thus, night work increases the risks of sleep disorders and mental illnesses, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases and promotes the appearance of certain cancers.
The proven effects of night work on health are:
- THE sleeping troubles ;
- the sleepiness ;
- metabolic syndrome.
The probable health effects of night work are:
- reduced concentration and memory abilities;
- anxiety;
- the Depression ;
- overweight and obesity;
- diabetes ;
- cardiovascular illnesses ;
- the cancer.
The possible health effects of night work are:
- increased lipids in the blood;
- high blood pressure ;
- stroke.
Journalist
June 21, 2024, at 12:10 p.m.
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