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A major new study led by researchers at the University of Manchester has revealed that women who work night shifts are significantly more likely to develop moderate or severe asthma compared to their counterparts working regular daytime hours. The findings, published in ERJ Open Research, analyzed data from over 270,000 participants in the UK Biobank, highlighting a gender-specific health risk that does not appear to affect men in the same way.
Key Findings
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Gender-Specific Risk: The research found a clear association between night shift work and an increased risk of asthma in women, but not in men. Women working night shifts were about 50% more likely to suffer from moderate or severe asthma compared to those working during the day.
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Severity and Prevalence: Among the study participants, 5.3% had asthma, with 1.9% experiencing moderate or severe forms of the condition—defined as those taking a preventer inhaler and at least one other asthma treatment, such as oral steroids.
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Postmenopausal Women at Greater Risk: The study also found that postmenopausal women not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had nearly double the risk of developing moderate or severe asthma compared to their daytime-working peers. Notably, the risk decreased to baseline in postmenopausal women who were using HRT, suggesting a possible protective effect.
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No Link in Men: No such association between night shift work and asthma was observed in male participants.
Possible Explanations
The researchers suggest that the disruption of the body’s natural circadian rhythms—or “body clock”—by night shift work may play a role in the increased asthma risk. Hormonal factors are also being considered, as previous research has shown that higher testosterone levels may be protective against asthma, and women generally have lower testosterone. The type of work performed during night shifts and its associated exposures may also contribute, but more research is needed to clarify these factors.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Robert Maidstone, the lead researcher, emphasized that asthma already disproportionately affects women, who tend to have more severe symptoms and higher rates of hospitalization and death from the disease compared to men. “This is the first study to evaluate sex differences in the relationship between shift work and asthma,” said Dr. Maidstone. “Our results suggest that working night shifts could be a risk factor for asthma in women, but not in men.”
Professor Florence Schleich, from the European Respiratory Society, commented: “The majority of workers will not have an easy option of switching their shift pattern, so we need further research to verify and understand this link and find out what could be done to reduce the risk for women who work shifts.”
Public Health Implications
The study underscores the need for public health interventions and further research to determine whether modifying shift work schedules or providing HRT could help reduce asthma risk in women working night shifts. With more women entering professions that require night work, understanding and addressing this health disparity is becoming increasingly important.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on research findings published in peer-reviewed journals and press releases from reputable sources. The study highlights an association between night shift work and increased risk of moderate or severe asthma in women, but does not prove causation. Individual health risks may vary, and readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. The information provided is for general awareness and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical consultation or treatment.
