Rotating shift work and disruption of biological rhythms as indicated by serum melatonin, prolactin and cortisol

ABSTRACT

Rotating shift work is associated with many health problems due to disruption of the biological rhythms. Melatonin, prolactin and cortisol serum levels were measured for 50 nurses working under rotating shift system and 65 nurses working only during daytime to assess the impact of rotating shift work on the circadian rhythms. Our results revealed that serum melatonin was significantly lower among rotators compared to day-shift workers while prolactin and cortisol levels were significantly higher. Serum melatonin showed a significant negative correlation with both duration of service and worker's age. On the other hand levels of prolactin and cortisol demonstrated a significant positive correlation with both parameters. Designing appropriate scheduling of shift work with proper consideration of the speed of shift rotation is recommended