Sleep Debt and Night Shifts: Study Reveals Increased Infection Risks for Nurses
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A new study examining the effects of sleep patterns and shift work on the immune system has found that sleep debt and night shifts increase the risk of several common infections in nurses.
Modern society relies on shift work, which requires employees to work outside of traditional hours. While essential in sectors such as healthcare, growing evidence suggests that these work patterns may negatively impact worker’s health.
This study, which analysed self-reported data from 1,335 Norwegian nurses, found that shift work – particularly night shifts – was associated with a higher risk of several infections, including the common cold.
Published in Chronobiology International, the peer-reviewed findings emphasise the importance of adequate sleep and shift management in reducing susceptibility to infection.
“These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to reduce infection risks among healthcare workers,” says Siri Waage, senior author of the study
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