Night shifts, irregular work hours increase depression risk by middle age: Know more

Working night shifts and frequently changing work hours when young can lead to depression in middle age, according to a new study. Researchers at the NYU Silver School of Social Work conducted the study, which included 7,000 Americans over the age of 30. The study found that working night shifts and constantly changing work hours can disrupt sleep, leading to mental health issues, including depression by the age of 50. Only a quarter of the participants had daytime jobs. Numerous studies have shown that insufficient sleep can lead to various health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

The report also highlights that Black Americans are more likely to suffer from insomnia compared to their white compatriots. "We need to prevent our work from making us unhealthy," says Wen-Jui Han, a professor who led the research at the NYU Silver School of Social Work. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, recommends providing resources to support those who are physically and mentally affected by their work.
How to manage the situation?
You can try employing a handful of techniques like developing sleep hygiene, getting exposed to natural light while getting up, eating balanced diets, trying regular physical activity, social support, limiting alcohol and seeking professional help to handle the situation.