Circadian disruption and health: Shift work as a harbinger of the toll taken by electric lighting

ABSTRACT

Electric light is one of the signature inventions of human beings. A problem, however, is that electric light can confuse our endogenous circadian rhythmicity. It has now become apparent that circadian biology is fundamental to the functioning and adaptation of almost all life forms. In the modern world, everyone is exposed to electric light during the day and night, and thereby can experience some level of circadian disruption. Perhaps as a canary in the coal mine, study of people whose work hours include nighttime (shift workers) is beginning to yield insights on the adverse health effects of circadian disruption from electric light.

KEYWORDS:

• Circadian disruption
• shift work
• electric light

Declaration of interest

The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.