Association between shift work and mental health and sleep outcomes in working adults: A systematic review

Document Type

Review Article

Department

Medicine

Abstract

Shift work is the norm in modern industrialised societies and is associated with disruptions in circadian rhythms as well as adverse mental health and sleep outcomes. However, many studies have examined sleep-related and mental health outcomes independently, limiting understanding of their interrelationship. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between shift work exposure and both sleep-related and mental health outcomes among adult workers. A systematic review was conducted using a predefined and structured methodology for study identification, selection, and reporting. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Europe PMC, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed for studies published between January 2016 and January 2026. Eligible studies included adult shift-working populations that reported both sleep-related and mental health outcomes. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials were included. Study selection, screening, and quality appraisal were performed using established methodological assessment approaches appropriate to the included study designs. A total of 386 records were identified, of which 36 duplicates were removed. Following screening and full-text assessment of 80 articles, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were conducted across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia and involved diverse occupational groups, including healthcare workers, correctional officers, and industrial workers. Across studies, shift work exposure was associated with sleep-related outcomes such as insomnia, poor sleep quality, and shift work sleep disorder, as well as mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. Overall methodological quality was moderate to high. Shift work exposure is associated with adverse sleep-related and mental health outcomes among adult workers. These findings support the need for integrated occupational health strategies addressing both sleep and psychological well-being in shift-working populations.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Cureus

DOI

10.7759/cureus.110089

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