Archive · 16 Jun 2025
Night Shift Work Linked to Increased Asthma Risk in Women
A recent study found that women who work night shifts might have a greater risk of getting serious asthma.
This wasn't the case for men.
Scientists think that working at night could mess with the body's natural clock and the levels of hormones, like testosterone.
They noticed that postmenopausal women, not on hormone replacement therapy, working night shifts were at higher risk too.
The study suggests that if women working nights have breathing problems, they should see a doctor.
Study indicates women on night shifts have a higher chance of developing moderate to severe asthma.
The study analyzed data from over 270,000 workers, published in ERJ Open Research.
No such link was found between asthma and night shifts in men.
Women working night shifts were around 50% more likely to suffer from moderate or severe asthma.
Researchers suggest disruptions to the body clock and hormone levels could be factors.
- Who
- Dr. Robert Maidstone and team conducted the research.
- What
- Study reveals increased asthma risk for women working night shifts.
- When
- The study was recently published in ERJ Open Research.
- Where
- The study was conducted on over 270,000 workers.
- Why
- Researchers believe disrupted body clocks and hormones could be a factor.
Increased Health Risk
No Opposing Sides
Health Impacts
Increased Health Risk
Night shift work linked to higher asthma risk, requiring increased medical attention and care
No Opposing Sides
No known opposing viewpoints regarding this statement.
- Study Population
- Over 270,000 workers
- Primary Finding
- Women night shift workers have increased asthma risk
- Gender Impact
- No increased risk for men
- Study Publication
- ERJ Open Research
- Lead Researcher
- Dr. Robert Maidstone
- Risk increase
- 50% for women
- Postmenopausal Women
- Higher risk if not on HRT
