The Impact of Overnight Work on Employee's Health and Lifestyle among Korean Adults: An Age-and Gender-Matched Study

Shift work has become more widespread globally as the demand for round-the-clock production and service industries continues to grow. This study investigated the health and lifestyle disparities between day and overnight workers, focusing on the impact of work schedules on employee health. We used the raw data from the 2018–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey involving 604 adult workers. The results revealed that overnight workers faced increased risks for health concerns such as sleep deprivation (weekday sleep time: Day = 6.78 ± 1.35, Overnight = 6.36 ± 1.65, p < 0.00), type 2 diabetes (HbA1c (%): O.R = 5.66, 95% CI: 2.57 – 12.45) compared to day workers. Furthermore, sedentary behavior time (≥ 601 minutes: O.R = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.25 – 3.60) and lifestyle factors (white-collar workers: O.R = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28 – 0.85, low-income individuals: O.R = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.28 – 4.19, smoking status: O.R = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.70 – 4.43) were found to be associated with the likelihood of working overnight. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, policies, and collaboration to address overnight workers' unique challenges, support their well-being, and raise awareness of associated health risks.