Shiftwork and Alcohol Consumption: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Shiftwork can be a risk factor for a number of different somatic and psychological health conditions, especially sleep disorders. Shiftworkers sleep less than dayworkers, and 20–40% of them suffer from difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep, which result in reduced capacity for work and social life. A common coping strategy might be the use of alcohol, which presents a health and safety hazard as it further impairs sleep quality and exacerbates sleepiness in the workplace. This review aimed to assess the extent of such possible connections. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a systematic search of the scientific literature on shiftwork and alcohol consumption in PubMed, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library. Only original studies comparing shiftworkers with non-shiftworkers were included. The recommendations of the <i>Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses</i> were followed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Fourteen articles are included in this review. Six studies report some kind of connection between shift- or nightwork and alcohol consumption, especially as a sleep aid. Conflicting or negative results are reported by 3 studies. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Shiftwork, especially working at night and in rotation shifts, is associated with binge drinking disorder in different professions. The reasons for pathological consumption of alcohol can be self-medication of sleep problems or coping with stress and psychosocial problems typical for shiftwork. Nurses aged over 50 years represent one important risk group. These results can be important for preventive programs against sleep disorders, including measures other than drinking alcohol as a sleep aid in the workplace of shiftworkers.

The Interaction of Inflammatory Markers and Alcohol-Use on Cognitive Function in Korean Male Firefighters

“…In the case of shift workers like our sample, it is necessary to evaluate not only the average level of alcohol but also the patterns of alcohol use. 37 Meanwhile, in our study, except for attention, CAGE≥3 was no significant association with the decrease of other cognitive domains. Existing studies have reported various degrees of cognitive decline in alcohol-dependent patients.…”

“…In contrast, half This may suggest a case that our sample consists of shift workers and uses alcohol as a self-aid for sleep in the morning, even if it is not evaluated as alcohol dependence by the sum of CAGE scores. 36,37 Additionally, in our sample, depression was not associated with CAGE≥3, but fatigue was. In the case of shift workers like our sample, it is necessary to evaluate not only the average level of alcohol but also the patterns of alcohol use.…”

Trends in Diet Quality and Related Sociodemographic, Health, and Occupational Characteristics among Workers in Spain: Results from Three Consecutive National Health Surveys (2006–2017)

“…This consumption is influenced by occupational conditions such as shift work, long working hours, high job demands, and a low degree of autonomy [82,83]. In a working population, alcohol consumption may be influenced by occupational factors and is strongly correlated with the particular worksite and the time of shift [84]. In the present study, employees who consumed alcohol presented a worse diet quality due, in part, to the higher energy intakes attributable to alcoholic beverages.…”

Intraindividual association between shift work and risk of drinking problems: data from the Finnish Public Sector Cohort

“…This finding was consistent with that of two cross-sectional studies in Australia, 40,41 and it has been suggested that shift workers binge drink to cope with sleep problems and nightshift-related stress. 42 We suggest that high-intensity drinking is a health and safety problem while working night shifts and this drinking behavior should be prevented.…”