Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that an irregular work schedule, particularly nighttime work, is associated with an altered lipid profile. Additionally, a mismatch in circadian rhythm can affect sleeping and eating habits, leading to poor health. This study aimed to examine the association between night work and dyslipidemia among South Korean adults aged ≥30 years.MethodsFor this study, the data of 5813 participants in the 2013–2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Diagnoses of dyslipidemia were based on blood sampling tests of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Night work was defined as that conducted during evening (6 P.M.–12 A.M.) and overnight hours (12 A.M.–8 A.M.). The association between night work hours and dyslipidemia in South Korean men and women was investigated using a logistic regression analysis.ResultsAfter adjusting for sociodemographic, economic, health-related, and nutritional factors, an association of night work with dyslipidemia was observed in male participants (odds ratio = 1.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–2.24). In subset analyses of male participants, night workers who skipped meals were more likely to have dyslipidemia than their day-working counterparts. Among men who slept < 7 h, night workers had a higher probability of dyslipidemia than day workers. In contrast, no statistically significant association between night work and dyslipidemia was observed in female participants, although the probability of dyslipidemia appeared to increase with advancing age. Furthermore, when women with dyslipidemia were subdivided by occupational categories, night workers in white collar positions were more likely to have dyslipidemia than their day-working counterparts.ConclusionOur study observed an association of night work with dyslipidemia, particularly in men. Although these findings may support interventions for South Korean night workers, further studies are needed for validation.
Highlights
Previous studies have reported that an irregular work schedule, nighttime work, is associated with an altered lipid profile
Of the 196 male participants who reported working at night, 76 (38.8%) had dyslipidemia, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia was greater among these night workers compared to those who worked at other times
The association between night work and dyslipidemia remained statistically significant in male participants
Summary
Previous studies have reported that an irregular work schedule, nighttime work, is associated with an altered lipid profile. The major difficulties associated with shift work mainly involve work conducted during evening or overnight hours, due to its effects on circadian rhythm. An inability of the circadian rhythm governing oxygen supply to adapt promptly to the changing demands of night work will likely lead to myocardial infarction [4]. Night workers are more likely to experience fatigue due to a lack of sleep [6]. This relationship is poorly understood, sleep deprivation has been identified as a potential risk factor for CVD [7]
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