Shift workers and others who sleep irregular hours may face disruption of many of their genes, British researchers have warned.
Researchers at Surrey University, UK, claim they identified a massive reduction in the number of genes functioning according to the body’s natural clock, the circadian rhythm.
The researchers say their findings may help explain some of the health problems that have been linked to irregular patterns of sleep.
Writing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers say the number of genes operating according to a circadian rhythm reduced by more than 80%.
The findings come from a study of some 22 volunteers, who were asked to live a 28 hour day – meaning they stayed awake for four hours extra every day.
Researcher Professor Derk-Jan Dijk said: “This research may help us to understand the negative health outcomes associated with shift work, jet lag and other conditions in which temporal organisation is compromised.
“The results also imply that sleep-wake schedules can be used to influence bodily processes, which may be very relevant for conditions in which circadian rhythmicity is altered, such as in ageing.”
The Royal College of Nursing of the UK said the findings highlighted the importance of taking care of staff working night shifts.
Chief executive Dr Peter Carter said: "It is vital that employers make sure they are properly supporting staff who work night shifts. They need adequate breaks and preventative health checks.
"Nursing staff cannot avoid working at night, but their employers should do everything possible to protect them by minimising the risks to their health."
Simon N. Archer et al. Mistimed sleep disrupts circadian regulation of the human transcriptome. PNAS 21 January 2014
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