Hormonal changes in satisfied and dissatisfied shift workers across a shift cycle

Although the literature claims that shift work is harmful, it overlooks the fact that that many shift workers are satisfied and stay healthy. There is little knowledge of the biological mechanisms mediating the differences in susceptibility. The present study compared satisfied and dissatisfied shift workers with respect to major anabolic and catabolic hormones. Forty-two male shift workers, with an extremely rapidly rotating shift schedule, were divided into two groups according to their ratings of satisfaction with their work hours. Morning blood samples were taken during the first and last morning shift in the shift cycle. Serum was analyzed with respect to testosterone, cortisol, and prolactin. Dissatisfied shift workers had lower morning testosterone than satisfied ones, but they did not significantly differ with respect to cortisol or prolactin. Low testosterone levels were, in addition, associated with a greater sleep need, disturbed sleep/wakefulness, and an increased need for recovery after the work period, the latter being the best predictor of testosterone levels. The only change across the shift cycle concerned a significant decrease of morning cortisol at the end of the shift cycle. High morning cortisol was related to having a morning personality and fewer sleep problems before the morning shift. Dissatisfaction with the shift system seems related to lower testosterone levels, which in turn are related to disturbed sleep/wakefulness and increased need for sleep and recovery. Furthermore, morning cortisol was reduced across a shift cycle. It is suggested that reduced testosterone levels may be part of a mechanism of shift work maladjustment.