Dr Amir Khan Issues Warning on Shift Work: 'Our Bodies Are Not Designed for It'
Doctor Amir Khan has issued a stark warning about shift work, claiming that human bodies are “not designed” for such schedules. Speaking on his podcast No Appointment Necessary, the ITV medic explained that shift work can take a serious toll on physical health.
“Our bodies are not evolved to do shift work,” Dr Khan said. “Shift work is a modern thing thrust upon us—part of capitalism that sees us more as functional units than actual human beings.” He emphasised that the body cannot handle the inconsistency of alternating between night and day shifts.
“There is no easy answer to shift work. Your body’s not designed to stay up all night one week and work days the next,” he added, noting his own experience working in A&E for a year and a half. “It is hard.”
Advice for Shift Workers
Dr Khan advised sleeping “when you can” and stressed the importance of establishing a rhythm. “If you can work consistently one shift for a period of time, so your body gets into a rhythm, that is better than switching and changing all the time,” he said. He also acknowledged the benefits of natural daylight, which night workers often miss.
The podcast’s Instagram caption reinforced the message: “Shift work might be normal… but it’s not natural. Dr Amir Khan explains why constantly switching between nights and days can seriously affect your body, sleep and health.”
Health Risks Backed by Experts
Dr Khan’s warning aligns with information from UCLA Health, which highlights the long-term impacts of shift work on wellbeing. The organisation notes that shift work disrupts the circadian rhythm—the body’s 24-hour cycle influenced by light and darkness. The more years spent on shift schedules, the higher the risk of chronic health issues, including:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Mental health disorders
- Metabolic disorders such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes
UCLA adds that night-shift workers are three times more likely to suffer from a shift-related sleep disorder compared to day workers. Recognising and treating such disorders can help avoid associated physical and mental health problems.
Practical Tips for Shift Workers
UCLA recommends shift workers focus on three key areas:
- Eating habits: Consume high-quality, whole foods and avoid eating between midnight and 6am to maintain typical eating patterns.
- Sleeping better: Adopt sleep strategies tailored to individual needs, work schedules, and home environments.
- Maintaining relationships: Eat at least one meal with family daily and schedule weekly catch-ups with friends, either in person or via video chat.
Dr Khan concluded: “The long and short of it is, we’re not designed to do shift work.”
