Modified Cortisol Circadian Rhythm: The Hidden Toll of Night-Shift Work

The circadian rhythm of cortisol, a key hormone essential for maintaining metabolic balance and stress homeostasis, is profoundly disrupted by night-shift work. This narrative review examines the physiological mechanisms underlying cortisol regulation, the effects of shift work on its circadian rhythm, the associated health risks, and potential mitigation strategies. Night-shift work alters the natural secretion pattern of cortisol, leading to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which in turn can contribute to metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and impaired cognitive function. Understanding the physiological pathways mediating these changes is crucial for developing targeted…