What is the Links Between Stress Shift Work And Serotonin Levels

 Century is best characterized by the advent of ultra-modern technology, global commercial and business, and the overwhelming desire to get and stay forward. Because of these aspects, business corporations participate or compete in a world where the economy is active 24/7. This phenomenon shaped a demand for employees that would work even during the night till morning. This work schedule reversed employee way of living, making day time for their sleeping. Shifting may disturb the normal body functions, disturb your sleep cycles, and decrease the body’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which is found in the central nervous system and affects multiple functions like sleep, appetite, mood. This neurotransmitter may also endorse cell regeneration.

Several researches revealed that night shift workers tend to have lower levels of “feel-good” hormones called serotonin. University of Buenos Aires researchers led by Dr. Carlos studied 685 men and compared 447 days workers to 245 shift workers. As a result, the shift workers’ serotonin levels, measured through blood test were considerably lower than those who are on regular day schedules. In addition to reduced serotonin levels, it is also found that shift workers have increased blood pressure, hip-to-waist ratios, higher cholesterol, and higher triglyceride levels.

As serotonin levels manage sleep patterns and other body functions, the University of Buenos Aires study suggested that shift work may also lead to a so-called Shift Work Sleep Disorder. As a result, people tend to remain awake when they should be sleeping. These individuals can be very tired and exhausted during waking hours. Normally, this disorder takes place because of a work schedule that takes place during the normal sleep period. Due to this, people who face difficulty getting sleep because their bodies are still programmed to be awake. Their timings of being asleep and being awake are different from what is expected by their body’s internal clock expects.

It's also seen through some studies that non-standard and night shift work may disturb the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. These studies suggest shift work is directly responsible for high blood pressure and increased body fat, according to the researchers of the Buenos Aires study. With the disruption of sleep patterns, reduced levels of serotonin are also connected to some other conditions for like stress, anxiety, and depression.

Change in lifestyle can lead to better serotonin levels. To make serotonin levels regular, sleep patterns should be consistent food regimens should include compulsory vitamins and minerals to control the serotonin levels. Some drugs and substances like nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and antidepressants should be avoided because they may exhaust serotonin production.

Individual who want to improve their serotonin levels can use medication to help them to achieve their goal. The amino acid 5-HTP can be taken as a supplement and improve the body’s capacity to manufacture serotonin. Another amino acid called L-tryptophan is used by the body for the production of serotonin. Though, before taking these supplements, patients are advised to pursue the approval of doctors and other health experts. Individuals who select to work in the night should keep adequate rest to lessen ill-effects that may develop. Healthy lifestyles and nutritious food regimens may increase serotonin levels and increase one’s class of life.