Night-Shift Work Increases Risk of IBS and Functional Dyspepsia: Study
A new study published in the journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology showed that functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are linked to working night shifts.
An increasing amount of research indicates that this population has a high prevalence of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, which are probably related to altered gut-brain axis activity, hormonal imbalance, and elevated stress. Changes in motility and disrupted melatonin cycles exacerbate symptoms including bloating, early satiety, and stomach discomfort. Both job performance and quality of life may be negatively impacted by these functional GI diseases.
Knowing that night shift workers are more likely to experience them emphasizes the need for focused prevention, improved scheduling procedures, and supportive lifestyle measures. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objectives to determine the prevalence of functional dyspepsia and IBS among night shift workers, assess their effects on quality of life, and look at related food consumption and patterns.
From March to July 2024, researchers carried out a cross-sectional research of night shift workers (≥8 shifts per month between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m.) in Australia and the UK. Rome IV criteria for IBS and FD, Leuven Postprandial Distress Scale (LPDS), IBS Severity Score System (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life (IBS-QoL), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI), and Comprehensive Nutrition Assessment Questionnaire (CNAQ) were among the validated questionnaires that participants filled out.
Rome IV criteria for IBS were satisfied by 21.3% of the 392 patients (69.9% female, median age 48 years), FD by 30.4%, and both disorders by 24.5%. For both illnesses, a significantly higher proportion of females satisfied the criterion (p<0.05). IBS-SSS, LPDS, VSI, and DASS-21 scores were considerably higher in those with IBS and/or FD than in those without (all p<0.001).
The majority of participants (59.9%) said that working nights had a detrimental effect on their GI symptoms, and 16.3% thought about switching occupations because of their problems. Those with IBS/FD used more medications (41% vs. 17%, p<0.01). There were no discernible variations in the groups' eating habits.
Overall, compared to stated general population rates, night shift workers had a much greater incidence of FD and IBS, which has a major impact on mental health and quality of life for those with IBS. These results demonstrate the necessity of focused treatments to promote mental and gastrointestinal health in this susceptible working group.
Source:
Pennaneach, C., Bonham, M. P., Kelly, T., Gibson, R., & Biesiekierski, J. R. (2025). High prevalence of disorders of irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia in night shift workers: a cross-sectional study in Australia and the UK. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology: The Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2025.11.019
