Evening Shift Ups Risk of Gastrointestinal Ills
(NY, Reuters Health, 12/30/04)

Dr. Claire C. Caruso of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, studied the effects of sleep patterns on gastrointestinal (GI) health while she was at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Caruso and her colleagues questioned 343 autoworkers (none of whom worked the night shift) about their work schedules and gastrointestinal problems. The researchers found that working the evening shift (usually from 2:30 to 11 pm) was associated with GI symptoms—including nausea, indigestion, abdominal pain and diarrhea—and a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with a GI problem, such as an ulcer or colitis. These findings suggest that regular, restful sleep patterns are associated with better gastrointestinal health.

(American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2004)