The 21st century is a perfect example of the advent of modern technology, global trade and business, and the relentless desire to move forward and survive. Because of these factors, business corporations compete in a world where the economy is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This phenomenon created a demand for employees that would work even during the night up to the week hours of the morning. This work changed the lifestyle of the employees, which led to bedtime during the day. Shifts may disrupt the normal body functions, hamper sleep cycles, and reduce the body’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that occurs in the central nervous system and affects a variety of functions such as mood, sleep and appetite. It can also regenerate neurotransmitter cells.
Studies show that non-day shift workers tend to have lower levels of “feel-good” hormones called serotonin. Researchers at the University of Buenos Aires presided over by Dr. Carlos J, Parole studied 683 men and compared 437-day workers to 246 shift workers. In the results, the shift workers’ serotonin levels, measured through blood tests, were significantly lower than those on regular day schedules. Decreased serotonin levels, shift workers have higher cholesterol, hip-to-waist ratio, increased blood pressure, and triglyceride levels.
Because serotonin levels can regulate sleep patterns and other bodily functions, the University of Buenos Aires suggests that shift work may also cause so-called shift work disorder. People with this disease stay awake when they need to sleep. These individuals very tired during waking hours. This condition is caused by a work schedule that occurs during normal sleep. Because of this, people who have difficulty sleeping because their bodies still have a waking program. The time of being asleep and being awake is different from what the body’s internal clock expects.
Other studies have also found that substandard and night shift work can affect the cardiovascular system. These studies suggest that there is a possibility that shift work is directly responsible for high blood pressure and increased body fat, according to the researchers of the Buenos Aires study. In addition to the disruption of patterns of sleep, reduced levels of serotonin are also linked to other conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression.
Lifestyle changes should lead to improved serotonin levels. To make serotonin levels consistent, sleep patterns should be consistent. And food regimens should include necessary vitamins and minerals to control the serotonin levels. Certain substances like caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and antidepressants must be avoided because they deplete serotonin production.
Individuals want to improve their serotonin levels should use medication to aid them in their goal. The amino acid 5-HTP can be taken as a supplement and improve the body’s ability to manufacture serotonin. Another amino acid called L-tryptophan is the body to produce serotonin. Anyhow, these supplements before taking, patients are to seek the approval of doctors and other health professionals. People who work at night should get adequate rest to minimize the side effects. Healthy lifestyles and nutritious food regimens may improve serotonin levels and improve one’s quality of life.
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