2025, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B

author(s)
Hannah Zuraff

abstract
While prior research has demonstrated that long hours and shift work are associated with higher hazards to one's physical health, their effects on one's mental health have received less attention. Through an analysis of the available data, this review seeks to close this gap. A systematic review was carried out with an emphasis on articles that had the terms "shift work" and "mental health" in their abstracts/titles. 24 publications were found in the first searches; six articles-all published between, 2010-2021, remained after screening. The results show a strong correlation between poor mental health outcomes and shift employment. This demonstrates the necessity of improved workplace policies and support to protect workers' well-being. Further research across various sectors and demographics is essential to fully understand the impact of shift work on mental health beyond anxiety, depression, and insomnia. As shift workers constitute a vulnerable group, prioritizing their mental health is crucial.