Working night shift can damages brain, study reveals

Scientists have found that working late has a major impact on the human memory. According to research, working late at night can weaken memory by up to 79 percent.

A comprehensive study conducted by scientists from York University has revealed that working late can lead to serious health problems, especially in older individuals. 

Previous studies have shown the negative effects of work outside of regular working hours on human health. This new study examined in detail the employment data, work schedules and cognitive abilities of 47,811 adults. 

One in five study participants reported having experienced shift work across their careers, with those working night shifts in particular found to have 79 percent more cognitive impairment than those working only during the day. 

This situation was seen more clearly by 53 percent in those who worked night shifts for long periods. Scientists think that the main reason behind these negative effects is the disruption of the natural rhythm of the body clock. 

The study said: "The findings suggest a potential link between exposure to shift work and cognitive dysfunction. We suggest that disruptive circadian stimuli may play a role in neurodegeneration that contributes to cognitive impairment." 

“Such findings are consistent with both laboratory-based and field studies (for example in long-haul airline pilots) suggesting that sleep and body clock disruption is linked to poorer health outcomes, including impaired emotional and cognitive responses,” added Russell Foster, professor of circadian neuroscience at the University of Oxford.