Q: I am 27 years old. For the past 3 years or so I have been working in the night shift for a call centre. I came to know that there can be various health hazards like ulcers, insomnia etc if we work constantly in night shifts. Is that true? Please advise what are the precautions we need to take in order to continue working in night shift and also the possible diseases and cures for night shift related problems.

A:Working the night shift certainly can cause problems with mood and sleep patterns. However, it is unlikely that night shifts in themselves cause diseases such as peptic ulcers. The best way to adapt to working night shifts is to stay with them rather than mix night and day shifts, get plenty of bright light during the shifts, and avoid bright light (for example, by wearing a mask) during the day. If you develop insomnia, abnormal fatigue, or a depressed mood, you should see a physician and consider with the physician whether you need to stop working night shifts.