Shift Workers Face Increased Health Risks Due to Sleep Deprivation

Abdulai, who serves as the Assistant Secretary of the Nigerian Sleep Society, spoke at a webinar titled “Sleep Care and Shift Work: Practical Protocols to Optimise Brain Health.” The event was co-hosted by the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg), the Nigerian Medical Association, the African Lifestyle Medicine Council, and the Nigerian Sleep Society.

She characterized sleep as a vital biological process, emphasizing its role in physical restoration, immune function, hormonal regulation, mood stability, and memory consolidation. Adults typically need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, while children require more, based on their age.

The International Labour Organisation defines shift work as a work arrangement where employees operate outside of standard daytime hours, which can disrupt the circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Abdulai mentioned that insufficient sleep can lead to cognitive impairment, increasing the likelihood of errors at work and fatigue-related accidents.

She highlighted the need for heightened public awareness concerning the health risks tied to poor sleep habits, especially among those with irregular or night shift schedules. Abdulai urged shift workers to prioritize sleep and implement strategies that support their health amid demanding work hours.

Dr. Moyosore Makinde, a consultant family physician and lifestyle medicine specialist, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the recognition of sleep as essential as food, water, and air. As President of SOLONg, Makinde elaborated on the importance of the circadian rhythm in regulating various physiological functions and warned that long-term disruption could heighten the risk of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies night shift work disrupting circadian rhythms as a probable carcinogen.

She encouraged shift workers to maintain consistent sleep schedules, target seven to nine hours of sleep per day, and create conducive environments for rest. Recommendations included limiting caffeine and alcohol intake before bedtime, minimizing exposure to bright light post-night shifts, and incorporating relaxation techniques.

Additionally, Makinde stressed the importance of nutrition and exercise in combatting sleep disruption, advising a fiber-rich diet and regular physical activity. She called for organizational and policy-level interventions to safeguard the health of shift workers, such as limiting consecutive night shifts, providing scheduled breaks, ensuring healthy food options, and establishing rest areas with controlled lighting.

Both Makinde and Abdulai emphasized the need for collaboration between employers and employees to address the challenges associated with sleep in shift work.