Working nights The UK’s invisible workforce 24 HOUR G TRADIN S MEAN 24 HOUR G WORKIN More than three million people are regular night-workers, that’s around 12 per cent of the entire UK workforce N ight shift workers are often ‘forgotten’ but they are playing an increasingly important role in today’s economy, arena answers your questions... Q. I’ve heard night-shift working is seriously bad for your health. Is it? Yes, it can be. Our bodies follow a natural daily rhythm which means that hormone levels and body functions have regular peaks and troughs over 24 hours. Shift work which involves working very early in the morning or late into the night disrupts those rhythms. Workers who do regular night shifts are more at risk of digestive problems such as ulcers and type-2 diabetes, heart disease and mental ill health. Recent research has 14 arena revealed a link between long periods working night shift and breast cancer in women. Shift work can also put a strain on family life. Most people are at their lowest ebb in the early hours of the morning, shift workers can suffer from fatigue and sleep-disruption. Loss of concentration means that there are more accidents on night shifts as well. Q. Some of my colleagues take stimulants to stay awake during their shift. Is this wise? Some people do use these to help them stay awake at work or to sleep during the day, but it is not a good idea. Even excessive use of mild stimulants such as caffeine- drinks can be harmful. Use of illegal drugs at work is dangerous as they can affect concentration and judgement. ht zard...nig Health ha on the is working in the UK increase