Cardiovascular mortality has also been noted to be increased among shift workers. One author estimates that the risk of working rotating shifts approaches that of smoking one pack of cigarettes per day. 2 Other physical problems include chronic fatigue, excessive sleepiness, and difficulty sleeping. Part of the social toll on those who must work rotating shifts is reflected in an increased divorce rate. Shift workers are also known to have higher rates of substance abuse and depression.
Shift workers are much more likely to view their jobs as extremely stressful.
Accidents are increased as a result of working shifts. It refers to the bodily rhythms that vary throughout the day in a periodic fashion. These rhythms have been recognized since the times of Aristotle and Hippocrates. As we become capable of more precise measurements, more and more circadian cycles are being recognized. Recently, even bone length has been found to exhibit a circadian periodicity.