Many studies have evaluated whether shift work (i.e. irregular shifts including variable work schedules, alternating night and day shifts, and exclusive night shift) is linked to worsened health outcomes, ranging from cardiovascular disease to all-cause mortality. However, the association between night shift work and substance use has yet to be researched. Those working the night shift for long periods (i.e., years) have disruptions in their circadian rhythm and sleep quality, impaired work-life balance, and increased risk of psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. Given this information, and the types of high-stress specialties that require healthcare workers to work night shifts (usually ER, surgery, critical care), the possibility of substance use and misuse to cope may arise, necessitating this research to be done. Findings will be utilized to create interventions to target mental wellbeing among healthcare workers.
