Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption in shift work

Abstract

Introduction. Circadian rhythm is one of the most important mechanisms in human body, which coordinates biological rhythms with the environmental changes in the day-night cycle. People are diurnal species, so we are used to work during the day and to sleep during the night. Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disruption (SCRD) occurs when natural circadian rhythms are pushed out of synchronization, for example in shift work. Aim of the study. Define the mechanistic links between sleep and circadian rhythm disruption and hyperglycemia. Apply this knowledge for the development of evidence-based clinical interventions. Transfer this knowledge to the broader community, patients and caregivers. Materials and methods. This study was based on physiological, biological and laboratory investigations, that were used to determine respiratory frequency, heartbeat frequency, muscular strength, tremor, blood and liver tests. Results. It was established that shift-workers have increased level of glucose in blood. Conclusions. Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disruption in shift work leads to hyperglycemia, that can induce diabetes mellitus.