Shift Work, Sleep, and Heart Health: Managing the Risks October 30, 2025 Shift Work, Sleep, and Heart Health: Managing the Risks Around one in five Australians work shifts outside the standard nine-to-five.1 From hospital wards to warehouses, shift work keeps our world running — but it can take a serious toll on the body, especially the heart. Research has found that long-term shift work is linked to higher risks of heart attack, diabetes, and a condition known as metabolic syndrome — a cluster of issues that raises the risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.2 The research is clear: when your work and sleep hours are out of sync with natural light, your body’s internal rhythm — known as the circadian clock — struggles to keep up. The Hidden Impact on the Heart Our bodies are designed to rest at night and be active during the day. When that rhythm is disrupted, everything from blood pressure to digestion to hormone levels can be thrown off balance. A meta-analysis of over 80 studies found that night shift work is associated with increased inflammation, reduced HDL (the “good” cholesterol), and changes in heart rhythm — all early warning signs of cardiovascular disease.3 The longer someone works nights, the higher their lifetime risk appears to climb. Rotating shifts — where workers constantly switch between day and night schedules — are particularly harmful. Research found that rotating shift workers tend to eat more erratically, snack late at night, and consume more high-calorie foods.1 Why Sleep Deprivation Matters Most shift workers get two to three hours less sleep than people on daytime schedules.4 Sleeping during the day is tough — sunlight, household noise, and temperature changes can all interfere. Over time, this chronic sleep loss raises stress hormones, blood pressure, and inflammation — a combination that’s particularly damaging to the heart. Even modest exposure to light at night, such as from a TV or phone screen, can suppress melatonin, a hormone that protects the cardiovascular system.5 Studies have also linked shift work to obesity, mood changes, and metabolic disturbances that increase long-term risk of heart disease.5 Protecting Your Health If you work night or early-morning shifts, you can still take steps to protect your heart and sleep health:1,2 Control your light exposure: Wear blue-light–blocking glasses or use blackout curtains to mimic night when you sleep during the day. Keep a consistent schedule: Try not to switch between day and night routines too often. Protect your sleep time: Avoid scheduling social activities during your rest periods — treat sleep as a non-negotiable appointment. Eat smart: Limit late-night snacking and aim for balanced, lighter meals before sleep. Shift work may be unavoidable for many essential workers, but awareness and small lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference. If you often feel exhausted, experience chest discomfort, or struggle with irregular sleep, speak to your doctor. They can help assess your cardiovascular risk and guide you toward strategies or treatments to keep your heart — and your schedule — in better rhythm. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References 1. “Why Does Night Shift Increase the Risk of Cancer, Diabetes and Heart Disease?” Uq.edu.au, 27 Oct. 2023, imb.uq.edu.au/article/2022/11/why-does-night-shift-increase-risk-cancer-diabetes-and-heart-disease. 2. Salamon, Maureen. “Shift Work Can Harm Sleep and Health: What Helps?” Harvard Health, 28 Feb. 2023, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/shift-work-can-harm-sleep-and-health-what-helps-202302282896. 3. Erdem, Johanna Samulin, et al. “Night Shift Work and Indicators of Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Environmental Research, 2025, p. 121503, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40164421, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2025.121503. 4. Services, Department of Health & Human. “Shiftwork.” Better Health Channel, 2021, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/shiftwork. 5. UCLA Health. “5 Long-Term Health Effects of Shift Work.” UCLA Health, 18 June 2024, www.uclahealth.org/news/article/5-long-term-health-effects-shift-work.
