Skip to main content
Building Biology News

Circadian Rhythms

By September 21, 2015May 8th, 2021No Comments


Shiftwork that involves circadian disruption is “probably carcinogenic to humans” (WHO December 2007)

Epidemiological studies have found that long-term nightworkers have a higher risk of breast cancer risk than women who do not work at night. These studies have involved mainly nurses and flight attendants.

The studies are consistent with animal studies that demonstrate that constant light, dim light at night, or simulated chronic jet lag can substantially increase tumour development. Other experimental studies show that reducing melatonin levels at night increases the incidence or growth of tumours.