![]() studies of high methodological quality and with a longitudinal design) on this topic in order to draw more convincing conclusions and to examine underlying mechanisms. Although multiple (review) studies have found support for the relation between night–shift work and body weight gain, and night–shift work and infection susceptibility, there is a need for more high–quality studies (i.e. Circadian disturbance might increase the risk of becoming infected with an infectious pathogen as well as intensify the severity of an infectious disease once infected. Besides body weight gain, night–shift work may also cause increased infection susceptibility. In humans, epidemiological studies have also indicated that overweight and obesity may be more prevalent in night–shift workers compared to non–night–shift workers. Previous studies in mice have found a causal relationship between circadian disturbance and body weight gain. In addition, evidence is accumulating on the relation between night–shift work and two other major public health problems for today’s society: overweight and infectious diseases. Therefore, combining data from the two will provide unique insights in the adverse health effects of night–shift work, beyond what could have been achieved in each study separately.īesides acute effects, such as sleep disturbances and social problems, night–shift work has also been linked to chronic effects, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. While the two studies both have a unique aim, they are overlapping in the methods that are applied. The second aim of the Klokwerk study is the identification of long–term markers of circadian disruption. The Klokwerk study (study protocol described elsewhere ) implements a comprehensive protocol that has been developed to conduct detailed assessment of exposure to the multi–dimensional aspects of night–shift work. Within the consortium two studies are conducted. The Klokwerk consortium was formed to assess the potential adverse health effects of night–shift work. Engaging in shift work, and particularly in night–shift work, may lead to the disturbance of workers’ natural circadian rhythm of biological functions that may subsequently interfere with their health and well–being. Consequently, a substantial part of the workforce is required to work outside the regular 9 to 5 office hours, with approximately one in five European workers being exposed to schedules that include night shifts. In modern society, our economy operates 24/7 with the principles of supply and demand going on at all times. In addition, the identification of biomarkers indicative of loss of homeostasis due to circadian disturbance may be an important asset in monitoring the effects of such interventions. The findings can be the starting point for the development of interventions that prevent negative health effects caused by night–shift work. The Klokwerk + study will contribute to the current need for high–quality data on the health effects of night–shift work and its underlying behavioral and physiological mechanisms. The measurements will consist of questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, a smartphone application to determine infection susceptibility, food diaries, actigraphy, light sensors, and blood sample analyses. As one of the main outcomes of this study is infection susceptibility, the measurement periods will take place at approximately the first (September/October) (T0) and the last month (April/May) (T1, after 6 months) of the flu season. During the study, there will be two measurement periods. The study population will consist of a group of night–shift workers and an equally sized group of non–night–shift workers. The design of this study is a prospective observational cohort study consisting of 1,960 health care workers aged 18–65 years. Lastly, we will focus on the identification of biomarkers for chronic circadian disturbance associated with night–shift work. Second, we will examine the mechanisms linking night–shift work exposure to body weight and infection susceptibility, with a specific focus on sleep, physical activity, diet, light exposure, vitamin D level, and immunological factors. First, we will study the relation between night–shift work exposure and body weight and between night–shift work exposure and infection susceptibility. The aim of the Klokwerk + study is to study the effects of night–shift work on body weight and infection susceptibility and the mechanisms underlying these health effects. As a substantial part of the workforce is exposed to night–shift work, harmful aspects of night–shift work should not be overlooked. ![]() ![]() Night–shift work may cause severe disturbances in the worker’s circadian rhythm, which has been associated with the onset of health problems and diseases.
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