Teens Long Work Shifts Can Increase Risk of MS
According to recent research, there is a possible link between teenagers who work long shifts at their job, more specifically, night shifts or rotating shifts, and increasing the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Those who are under 20 years of age, who engaged in long hours of employment in the evening hours, may be at a higher risk of developing MS due to disruption in their circadian rhythm and sleep patterns.
Previous research done has suggested that shift work – working during the night, or working overtime hours in the evening – increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, thyroid disorders, and cancer. Circadian disruption and sleep restriction are associated with working night shifts. It is believed that these factors disturb melatonin secretion and increase inflammatory responses, further promoting disease.
Multiple Sclerosis is a central nervous system autoimmune inflammatory disorder that has an environmental component. It can be brought on by sleep loss related to work, and other lifestyle risk factors.
The study was done by Dr. Anna Karin Hedstrom and colleagues from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. They analyzed data from two population-based studies. One of the studies had 1343 incident cases of MS and 2900 controls. The other had 5,129 prevalent MS cases and 4509 controls. All of the study subjects lived in Sweden and were between the ages of 16 and 70.
According to Dr. Hedstrom, “Our analysis revealed a significant association between working a shift at a young age and occurrence of MS.” She continued, “Given the association was observed in two independent studies strongly supports a true relationship between shift work and disease risk.”
Further investigation will be needed to determine just how much of a risk youth may face when working evening shifts.
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