Night Shift Work Linked to Increased Severe Asthma Risk in Women

A recent study published in the journal ERJ Open Research has revealed a significant correlation between night shift work and the increased risk of moderate to severe asthma in women. The research, conducted by Dr. Robert Maidstone and his team at the University of Manchester, UK, analyzed data from over 270,000 individuals, demonstrating that women who work night shifts are approximately 50% more likely to experience moderate or severe asthma compared to their daytime counterparts. This study is notable as it is the first to explore the sex-specific differences in the relationship between shift work and asthma.

The analysis found that 5.3% of participants reported having asthma, with 1.9% suffering from moderate to severe symptoms necessitating the use of asthma preventer inhalers along with additional treatments, such as oral steroids. Importantly, the study indicated that no such correlation was found in men, suggesting a gender-specific risk factor associated with night shift work.

Dr. Maidstone stated, "In our previous research, we identified a higher risk of moderate or severe asthma among nightshift workers. Given that asthma disproportionately affects women, we aimed to investigate further differences in outcomes based on sex. Our findings indicate that permanent night shift workers have a higher likelihood of experiencing moderate to severe asthma when compared to corresponding day workers."

The study utilized data from the UK Biobank, which included various demographic factors such as age, occupation, and health status. The researchers categorized participants based on their working hours, which allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the asthma risk associated with shift work. Women who do not take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) showed an even more pronounced risk, as the likelihood of severe asthma nearly doubled among postmenopausal women working night shifts.

The underlying mechanisms that may explain this disparity remain unclear. Dr. Maidstone hypothesized that shift work disrupts circadian rhythms and may influence the levels of sex hormones, particularly testosterone, which has been shown to have a protective effect against asthma. "Lower testosterone levels in women could potentially play a role, but further research is needed to explore these associations," he added.

Professor Florence Schleich, an expert in airway diseases at the University of Liège, Belgium, commented on the implications of the study. She emphasized the necessity for additional research to understand the link between night shifts and asthma in women. "The majority of workers do not have the option to change their shift patterns, which complicates the situation. Exploring preventative measures for women working night shifts is crucial, particularly as we know women are at a higher risk for severe asthma outcomes."

Future studies are planned to delve deeper into the potential role of sex hormones in the relationship between shift work and asthma, utilizing resources from both the UK Biobank and Our Future Health, a new health research initiative in the UK. The need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate health risks associated with night shifts is paramount, especially in light of these findings that highlight the unique vulnerabilities faced by women in the workforce.

Overall, this research underscores the increasing recognition of gender-specific health issues in occupational health and the importance of addressing them through targeted interventions and policies. As the global workforce continues to evolve, understanding the implications of work patterns on health will be crucial in developing effective workplace health strategies.