ASK DR SLEEP

We take every opportunity we can to pick the brain of world-renowned sleep scientist and Night Club special advisor Professor Russell Foster. First up, a common question from employers:

“Night shift work is classified as ‘probably carcinogenic’ by the World Health Organisation and there is mounting evidence that it contributes to a number of serious health conditions – from heart disease and diabetes to mental health issues. What advice would you give to companies and organisations that need to employ night workers?”

Dr Sleep says: The 24/7 society is here to stay, so it would be absurd to say there should be “no more night shift work”. However, just because it is “easy” to incorporate night shift work into modern industrial practices, this does not mean that we always should. Companies and organisations should think carefully about whether all night shift work is essential. And if not, it should be cut. You cannot remove the risk of night shift work to health, but there are many ways to mitigate some of the consequences. Employers might want to consider some of the following options:

If you have a question for Dr Sleep email it to: info@night-club.org