Biological Mechanisms Underlying the Adverse Health Consequences of Human Circadian Misalignment from Night Shift Work

Purpose of review: The waking and working times of night shift workers are displaced relative to the natural light/dark cycle, putting behavioral patterns in misalignment with the circadian regulation of biological processes. This state of circadian misalignment constitutes a circadian health problem, with widespread negative consequences for metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health, as well as elevated risk of cancer. Scientific advances over the past decade have shed light on key aspects of the underlying biological mechanisms. With a focus on recent human studies, this paper reviews novel insights into what drives the adverse health consequences of circadian misalignment due to night shift work.