A study published in the PLOS One journal found that irregular work schedules can take a serious toll on health. Researchers noted that morning shifts are generally healthier for employees compared to working at night.

The journal defined a “standard” work schedule as starting no earlier than 6 AM and ending by 6 PM. In contrast, unconventional schedules often begin around 2 PM or later and finish near midnight.

To understand the long-term effects, researchers tracked 7,000 people over three decades, from ages 22 to 50. They examined how different work patterns influenced sleep, as well as physical and mental health. The results showed that people who consistently worked non-standard hours developed more health problems. Even participants who began with stable schedules but later shifted to irregular hours in their 30s faced higher risks of cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and other health complications.

These problems often stem from chronic sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality. In fact, health experts classify this condition as “Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD)”.