The 21st Century is best defined by the introduction of ultra-modern technology, worldwide trade, and business, and the insatiable ambition to achieve and remain ahead. Because of these circumstances, commercial firms compete in a world where the economy is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This situation produced a need for personnel working even throughout the night until the early morning hours. This work schedule inverted employee lifestyle, making the day their time to spend sleeping. Shifts may interrupt regular bodily functioning, impair sleep cycles, and diminish the body’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is located in the central nervous system and affects many processes including mood, sleep, sexuality, and hunger. This neurotransmitter may also stimulate cell regeneration.
Studies suggest that non-day shift employees tend to have lower amounts of “feel-good” chemicals called serotonin. Researchers at the University of Buenos Aires headed by Dr. Carlos J, Pirola analyzed 683 males and compared 437-day employees to 246 shift workers. The findings, the shift workers’ serotonin levels, evaluated by blood tests were much lower than those on conventional day schedules. In addition to lower serotonin levels, shift workers were shown to have higher cholesterol, hip-to-waist ratios, elevated blood pressure, and higher triglyceride levels.
Because serotonin levels control sleep patterns and other physiological processes, the University of Buenos Aire's research revealed that shift work may also contribute to a so-called Shift Work Sleep Disorder. People with this illness tend to stay awake when they should be sleeping. These folks might be quite weary during waking hours. This condition takes occurs because of a work schedule that takes place throughout the regular sleep time. Because of this, individuals who have problems obtaining sleep because their bodies are still trained to remain awake. The timing of being asleep and being awake is different from what the body’s internal clock predicts.
Other studies have found that non-standard and night shift employment may influence cardiovascular and metabolic systems. These results imply that there is a chance that shift work is directly responsible for high blood pressure and increased body fat, stated the researchers of the Buenos Aires study. In addition to the disturbance of sleep cycles, lower levels of serotonin are also associated with other illnesses including stress, anxiety, and depression.
Lifestyle adjustments may lead to better serotonin levels. To make serotonin levels constant, sleep patterns should be consistent and eating regimens should contain vital vitamins and minerals to manage the serotonin levels. Certain medicines and chemicals including coffee, nicotine, alcohol, and antidepressants should be avoided since they may reduce serotonin synthesis.
Individuals who desire to enhance their serotonin levels might take medicine to help them achieve their objectives. The amino acid 5-HTP may be taken as a supplement and boost the body’s capacity to generate serotonin. Another amino acid called L-tryptophan is needed by the body to generate serotonin. However, before using these supplements, patients are encouraged to get the clearance of physicians and other health specialists. Individuals who prefer to work throughout the night should keep appropriate rest to prevent ill effects that may occur. Healthy lifestyles and healthy dietary regimens may boost serotonin levels and improve one’s quality of life.
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