Does Shift Work Sleep Meta-Analysis work?

Updated July 2026

Quick Answer

Shift Work Sleep Meta-Analysis has evidence relevant to strength of evidence and what the studies can or cannot prove, but conclusions should stay close to the cited sources. One representative finding is: Background Gastrointestinal diseases are highly prevalent worldwide and are linked to poorer quality of life and increased use of healthcare services.

Key Takeaways

  • 01Background Gastrointestinal diseases are highly prevalent worldwide and are linked to poorer quality of life and increased use of healthcare services. [Pérez-Manchón D (2026)]
  • 02Rotating shifts were associated with a significantly increased overall risk of gastrointestinal outcomes when compared to day shifts (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02-1.30; p = 0.02), with moderate heterogeneity (I 2 = 53%). [Pérez-Manchón D (2026)]
  • 03Most studies had low risk of bias, although outcome reporting and confounding were frequent concerns. [Pérez-Manchón D (2026)]
  • 04Nursing shift work may disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to functional gastrointestinal disorders through chronodisruption, sleep impairment, stress, and lifestyle changes. [Pérez-Manchón D (2026)]
The current Migaku evidence database contains 2 reusable source documents for Shift Work Sleep Meta-Analysis. This answer focuses on strength of evidence and what the studies can or cannot prove. - Background Gastrointestinal diseases are highly prevalent worldwide and are linked to poorer quality of life and increased use of healthcare services. [Pérez-Manchón D (2026); evidence level 1] - Rotating shifts were associated with a significantly increased overall risk of gastrointestinal outcomes when compared to day shifts (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02-1.30; p = 0.02), with moderate heterogeneity (I 2 = 53%). [Pérez-Manchón D (2026); evidence level 1] - Most studies had low risk of bias, although outcome reporting and confounding were frequent concerns. [Pérez-Manchón D (2026); evidence level 1] - Nursing shift work may disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to functional gastrointestinal disorders through chronodisruption, sleep impairment, stress, and lifestyle changes. [Pérez-Manchón D (2026); evidence level 1] - Occupational stress was significantly associated with sleep disorders (pooled OR = 3.51, 95% CI: 2.54-4.84), with moderate to substantial heterogeneity (I 2 = 69%). [Yang H (2026); evidence level 1] Evidence levels are sorting aids, not final clinical grades. Level 1 usually indicates systematic-review style evidence, level 2 indicates randomized trials or public-health guidance, and lower levels need more cautious wording. This page is educational. People with medical conditions, pregnancy, medication use, or unusual symptoms should ask a qualified clinician before changing supplements, medication, or treatment routines.

Sources

  1. Impact of nursing shift patterns on work-related gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
  2. Association Between Work Stress and Sleep Disorders in Law Enforcement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.