What are the Links Between Stress Shift Work And Serotonin Levels

The most advanced technology in the 21st century, world trade and commerce and the insatiable desire to grow and survive. Because of these factors, businesses compete in a world where the economy is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The incident created a demand for workers to work from morning till night. This work schedule has manipulated the employee’s lifestyle, turning their day into bedtime. The changes disrupt normal body functions, disrupt sleep cycles and lower the body's serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system and affects many functions such as mood, sleep, and appetite. This neurotransmitter also promotes cell regeneration. Studies show that non-day shift workers have lower levels of the "feel-good" hormone serotonin. Researchers at the University of Buenos Aires, led by Dr. Carlos J. Pirola, studied 683 men and compared 437 day laborers to 246 shift workers. As measured by blood test results, serotonin levels in shift workers were significantly lower than on the normal day schedule. In addition to low serotonin levels, shift workers were also found to have high cholesterol, hip-to-waist ratio, elevated blood pressure and high triglyceride levels. A Buenos Aires study suggests that since serotonin levels regulate sleep patterns and other bodily functions, shift work can also lead to what is known as shift work sleep disorder. People with this disorder tend to stay awake when they are asleep. These people may be very tired when they wake up. This disorder is caused by work schedules that occur during normal sleep. Because of this, people have trouble falling asleep because their bodies are still programmed to stay awake. The body's internal clock sleep and wake times are different than expected. Other studies have also shown that non-standard and night shift work affects the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. According to researchers from the Buenos Aires study, these studies suggest that shift work is directly responsible for high blood pressure and enlarged body. In addition to disruption of sleep patterns, low levels of serotonin are also linked to other conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression. Lifestyle changes improve serotonin levels. For serotonin levels to be stable, sleep patterns must be consistent and the diet must contain the vitamins and minerals needed to control serotonin levels. Some medications and substances such as caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and antidepressants should be avoided as they can reduce serotonin production. People who want to improve their serotonin levels can use medications to help with their goal. The amino acid 5-HTP can be taken as a supplement and improves the body's ability to make serotonin. Another amino acid called L-tryptophan is used by the body to produce serotonin. However, patients are advised to seek the approval of physicians and other health care professionals before taking these supplements. People who choose to work at night should get enough rest to minimize the side effects that may develop. A healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet can improve serotonin levels and improve quality of life.