Working night shifts? It may increase risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke
Liver, gut and pancreas have separate biological clocks and a mind of their own.
By PTI | Updated:
Agencies
WASHINGTON: Scientists, including one of Indian origin, have found that working in night shifts increases risk of developing obesity and diabetes, which may lead to heart diseases, stroke and cancer.
The research, undertaken by scientists from Washington State University (WSU) in the US, dispelled the belief that the day-night cycle of the body is driven by brain's master clock, and revealed that separate biological clocks in the liver, gut and pancreas have a mind of their own.
"No one knew that biological clocks in people's digestive organs are so profoundly and quickly changed by shift work schedules, even though the brain's master clock barely adapts to such schedules," said Hans Van Dongen from WSU.
"As a result, some biological signals in shift workers' bodies are saying it is day while other signals are saying it is night, which causes disruption of metabolism," he said.
"We believe ours is the first study to suggest a mechanism for the connection between shift work and chronic kidney disease," said Shobhan Gaddameedhi, a professor at WSU.
Work At 30,000 Ft: How Vikas Oberoi, Roland Folger And Other CEOs Utilise Air-Time
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They travel around the world for work or leisure. But these business leaders know how to make the most of the hours they spend in an aircraft while travelling to faraway destinations:
They travel around the world for work or leisure. But these business leaders know how to make the most of the hours they spend in an aircraft while travelling to faraway destinations:
“I enjoy watching movies of various genres, likePK and The Wolf of Wall Street. I may also switch to reading on my Kindle. I enjoy reading inspirational books like The Lean Startup and The Art of War. As an entrepreneur, I feel this genre keeps me motivated, offers me the ability to think out of the box and appreciate multiple perspectives.”
(Text: Rohan Abraham)
“I enjoy watching movies of various genres, likePK and The Wolf of Wall Street. I may also switch to reading on my Kindle. I enjoy reading inspirational books like The Lean Startup and The Art of War..
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“Flight journeys, for me, are all about disconnecting from the world. I listen to my favorite music: Rock, funk, electronic dance music, and Indian fusion. Music by Metallica, Coldplay, Sigala, and the Indian Jam Project make me feel light and energised. Music helps clear my mind of entrepreneurial riddles, and lets me get closer to my younger self.”
(Text: Rohan Abraham)
“Flight journeys, for me, are all about disconnecting from the world. I listen to my favorite music: Rock, funk, electronic dance music, and Indian fusion. Music by Metallica, Coldplay, Sigala, and t..
Read More
“I mostly try to catch up on sleep, especially on late-night flights. There is also a book in my bag to keep me company. Reading helps me relax. One travel hack that has always worked for me is to keep a blanket handy. I’d also suggest avoiding food on the flight, since it’s calories without much nutrition.”
(Text: Glynda Alves)
“I mostly try to catch up on sleep, especially on late-night flights. There is also a book in my bag to keep me company. Reading helps me relax. One travel hack that has always worked for me is to k..
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“I pray, read, sleep or listen to music, etc. I rarely talk to co-passengers. I like to use the quiet time to reflect on various things. I don’t watch movies on longer flights. If it’s a short flight, I watch portions of regional films: Tamil, Malayalam and Bollywood movies, but not the full movie.”
(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I pray, read, sleep or listen to music, etc. I rarely talk to co-passengers. I like to use the quiet time to reflect on various things. I don’t watch movies on longer flights. If it’s a short fligh..
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“I rarely watch movies or read books on a flight. But when I do, I usually pick new Hollywood releases, especially suspense thrillers. Flight journeys are about winding down and recharging. I begin with a glass of champagne to celebrate this break without a cellphone. I then enjoy the company around me, eat, and catch up on sleep.”
(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I rarely watch movies or read books on a flight. But when I do, I usually pick new Hollywood releases, especially suspense thrillers. Flight journeys are about winding down and recharging. I begin ..
Read More
“Flying gives me an opportunity to relax, and I spend most of my time catching up on sleep and reading books. Of late, I have inculcated a new travel habit of reading about the city or country that I am flying to. From their local cuisine to history and culture, I try to learn at least two new things about that place, so that I can explore it in my leisure time.”
(Text: Glynda Alves)
“Flying gives me an opportunity to relax, and I spend most of my time catching up on sleep and reading books. Of late, I have inculcated a new travel habit of reading about the city or country that ..
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“I am mostly a solitary traveller. However, I recently met an 85-year old gentleman, who gave me good advice for my holidays in Sri Lanka. During a long flight, I alternate between a good book, music and TV or movies. Sometimes when I’m tired and don’t feel like reading, or watching something, I prefer listening to audio books on my phone. I recently had a chance to listen to Business Adventures by John Brooks, a classic collection of defining moments which provides entrepreneurs with priceless lessons in all areas of business.”
(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I am mostly a solitary traveller. However, I recently met an 85-year old gentleman, who gave me good advice for my holidays in Sri Lanka. During a long flight, I alternate between a good book, musi..
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“I like to catch up on superhero movies that I might have missed. When I’m not at the office, I try to spend time with my wife and children so the only time I generally get to myself is on the plane. I know some bosses like to read while travelling (which I should try to do) but I find it more relaxing to watch Superman.”
(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I like to catch up on superhero movies that I might have missed. When I’m not at the office, I try to spend time with my wife and children so the only time I generally get to myself is on the plane..
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“I tend to fly a lot for work. Much of my time is taken up with writing, or researching my historical books.”
(Text: Glynda Alves)
“I tend to fly a lot for work. Much of my time is taken up with writing, or researching my historical books.”
(Text: Glynda Alves)
The research also has implications for the study of other chronic diseases that the shift-workers are prone to including, chronic kidney disease and breast, skin and prostate cancer.
The researchers, however, said that it is first and foremost important to unravel the link between shift-work and mentality.
"It is possible that changes in the metabolism of shift workers are associated with altered activity of cellular processes that may be involved in cancer development later in life," Gaddameedhi said.
"Once we understand those cellular processes, we could potentially identify the genes involved and use that knowledge to find ways to prevent cancer in shift workers," he added.
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The study analysed the blood samples for metabolites - products of chemical reactions involved in digestion - from blood samples of 14 healthy volunteers who had just completed either a simulated day shift schedule or a simulated night shift schedule. They found that, following the night shift schedule, 24-hour rhythms in metabolites related to the digestive system had shifted by a full 12 hours, even though the master biological clock in participants' brains had only moved by about two hours.
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"Twenty-seven metabolites followed a 24-hour rhythm during both the simulated night and day shift schedules," said Debra Skene, a professor at the University of Surrey in the UK.
"Of these, 24 displayed a dramatic 12-hour shift in rhythm following the simulated night shift schedule, which was not observed following the day shift schedule. This indicated that just three days of being on a night shift schedule has the potential to disrupt metabolism," she said.
"Pinpointing the disrupted metabolic pathways will help unravel the mechanisms underlying shift work and metabolic disorders," Skene said.
Workplace Diversity: Need Equality In The Boardrooms
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The world over, there has been a clamour for diversity in the workplace. In India too, the story is no different. And a lot of corporations have raised red flags over the abysmal representation of women in the boardroom. From treating women equally to women-specific policies, there are various points of view.
So what can bring about diversity?
The world over, there has been a clamour for diversity in the workplace. In India too, the story is no different. And a lot of corporations have raised red flags over the abysmal representation of ..
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Does workplace diversity happen when women are treated the same as the men, be it roles, responsibilities and accountability too? Is diversity a by-product of similar treatment to both genders?
Does workplace diversity happen when women are treated the same as the men, be it roles, responsibilities and accountability too? Is diversity a by-product of similar treatment to both genders?
Or is diversity best guaranteed when corporations put in place specific policies and procedures that ensure women don't lose their career trajectory when they take a break to set up home or start a family?
Or is diversity best guaranteed when corporations put in place specific policies and procedures that ensure women don't lose their career trajectory when they take a break to set up home or start a..
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Most companies today realise the aching need for having more women in the boardroom in order to improve diversity. They understand that they need more women in the corner offices as role models that will go on to encourage more to join the workforce.
Most companies today realise the aching need for having more women in the boardroom in order to improve diversity. They understand that they need more women in the corner offices as role models tha..
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Being a role model isn't easy, though. Most success stories show that women have had to make major sacrifices to reach the top. But young people want their role models to have it all - from an exciting career to a happy family life, wealth, fame and leisure.
Being a role model isn't easy, though. Most success stories show that women have had to make major sacrifices to reach the top. But young people want their role models to have it all - from an exci..
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Workplaces can become inclusive and level-playing fields when there is support and acknowledgement. Women, too, need to seize the day in a line of work they love and enjoy. Prioritising is critical, so is communicating one's needs. And don't be ashamed of asking for help. When the time comes, you can always pass that on.
Workplaces can become inclusive and level-playing fields when there is support and acknowledgement. Women, too, need to seize the day in a line of work they love and enjoy. Prioritising is critical..
