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A study showed that people who work night shifts are at risk of cancer.
In the past, scientists have pointed out that night shift workers are prone to diabetes and obesity. Moreover, they recently revealed that cancer is another risk of working after dark.
People who sleep in the daytime have lower levels of melatonin / ˌmɛl əˈtoʊ nɪn / than those who sleep at night. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body clock, signals the body when to repair the damaged cells. However, when a person works nights, melatonin is suppressed. A person increases his or her risk of cancer when these unrepaired cells accumulate.
Experts are currently looking into the effects of taking melatonin supplements. Dr. Parveen Bhatti of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center said they want to know if melatonin intake is effective in reducing DNA damage that could be carcinogenic.
Meanwhile, the National Sleep Foundation urged companies to ensure the health and safety of their night shift workers. The foundation recommended placing workers in an environment that is cool and bright. They also suggested allowing them to sleep in the office before or during their shift.
There are occupational hazards in working nights, but some people might still prefer to do so. According to the National Sleep Foundation, there are genetic differences in people’s sleep time and work time. They recommend workers to explore their natural body clock to see what shift is best for them. Furthermore, they should communicate this to their employer, especially if they have a flexible work shift.