Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: paul.fr on 30/11/2007 02:24:49
-
Well according to the news headline i just heard it does. Why would that be?
-
Do you have the article to post???
-
I can think of a number of reasons.
Firstly, lack of sunlight could have an impact on vitamin D and folic acid levels (and possibly other factors).
Secondly, one had to differentiate shift work from rotating shifts. Rotating shifts can be particularly stressful and you constantly have your sleep patterns disrupted.
Thirdly, you also have to ask to what extent are we dealing with cause, and what extent is it effect. We know that socio-economic class has many effects on health, so to what extent are we simply seeing that people who work nights are more likely to belong to a particular socio-economic class?
-
Do you have the article to post???
It was the radio that i heard it on, Meg...but after searching, here is one article:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/674179,night112907.article
Thirdly, you also have to ask to what extent are we dealing with cause, and what extent is it effect. We know that socio-economic class has many effects on health, so to what extent are we simply seeing that people who work nights are more likely to belong to a particular socio-economic class?
One and two, quite possibly, George. But some people do choose to work late, i know i do, having the afternoon to do other taskes (more important than work) that you could not do when finishing at 5pm.
-
Thirdly, you also have to ask to what extent are we dealing with cause, and what extent is it effect. We know that socio-economic class has many effects on health, so to what extent are we simply seeing that people who work nights are more likely to belong to a particular socio-economic class?
One and two, quite possibly, George. But some people do choose to work late, i know i do, having the afternoon to do other taskes (more important than work) that you could not do when finishing at 5pm.
I am aware of that (not specifically in your case, but in the generality); but nonetheless, I do hold that the majority of night workers are low paid, while their managers will generally be day workers.
Incidentally, people who do a lot of overtime, late into the night, I doubt would be included in the class of night workers - I assume the category refers to people who normally start their working day after sunset.