Long-Term 32-Hours Continuous Shifts Increases Progesterone, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, Eosinophil Count and Attention Performance in Female Pediatric Resident

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed at assessing effects of long-term 32-hours continuous shifts on leptin, melatonin, sex hormones, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, hematological parameters, sleep quality and attention performance in female pediatric residents (FPR). Materials and Methods: FPR working under 32 hours continuous shifts (08:00-08:00h after 08:00-17:00h, n=10) were compared to female health professionals working in day-time hours (08:00-16:00h, n=10). Vital parameters, glucose, leptin, melatonin, estrogen, progesterone, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentrations, complete blood count (CBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured. The participants were also requested to fill in sleep quality questionnaires and visual attention test. Results: In the study; eosinophil ratio (p=0.015), hemoglobin (p=0.010), hematocrit (p=0.012), progesterone (p=0.008), TNF-α, (p=0.000), IL-1beta and (p= 0.003) IL-6 levels (p= 0.000) were found significantly higher in FPR. In addition, it was found that FPR had difficulty in waking up in the mornings (p = 0.000), had bad dreams (p = 0.040), and had poor sleep quality (p = 0.010). FPR had better attention performance (p=0.000). Conclusion: Although attention performance was higher in FPR, data suggest that long-term continuous 32-hour shift system activates inflammatory response, disturbs ovarian steroid production and reduces sleep quality. Alltogether, these may culminate in inflammatory diseases or reproductive problems.