Research reveals that shift staff have a 15% increased threat of growing kidney stones, particularly youthful staff and people with low ranges of guide labor, with physique mass index (BMI) and fluid consumption enjoying key mediating roles. Credit score: Mayo Clinic Proceedings / He et al.
A examine evaluating how numerous shift work patterns contribute to kidney stone threat has revealed that shift staff have a 15% increased threat of growing kidney stones, particularly youthful staff and people with low ranges of guide labor. Physique mass index (BMI), fluid consumption, and different life-style components play key roles contributing to the prevalence of kidney stones.
The findings of the novel examine in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, point out that kidney stone prevention efforts ought to prolong to shift staff.
Lengthy-term shift work, recognized as an irregular work schedule outdoors typical daytime work hours, particularly night time shift work, may disrupt staff’ circadian rhythms, have an effect on metabolism and hormone secretion, alter existence, and result in hostile well being outcomes.
The likelihood of growing power ailments, equivalent to cardiovascular ailments, metabolic syndrome, and psychological problems, has been reported to be elevated amongst shift staff. Nonetheless, kidney stone illness amongst shift staff has not often been investigated in prior research.
Utilizing information from over 220,000 contributors from the UK Biobank Research, the researchers of the present examine analyzed the affiliation of shift work, together with its sort, frequency, and period, with kidney stone occasions over a median follow-up interval of 13.7 years. Additionally they carried out mediation analyses to analyze whether or not numerous life-style behaviors may clarify this relationship.
“This is the first population-based cohort study to comprehensively evaluate how various shift work patterns contribute to kidney stone risk,” explains lead investigator of the examine “Lifestyle Factors in the Association of Shift Work with Kidney Stone Events,” Yin Yang, Ph.D., Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Well being, Solar Yat-sen College, Guangzhou, China.
“We found that shift work is associated with a higher risk of kidney stone events; an association that is partially mediated by several lifestyle factors, including smoking, sleep, fluid intake, and BMI.”
The investigators additionally decided that contributors with an extended historical past of shift work had a barely decrease threat of kidney stones. This will recommend a wholesome employee impact or adaptation over time, which warrants additional investigation.
Kidney stone illness is a typical and preventable urological illness, with an estimated prevalence starting from 1% to 13% in numerous areas internationally. It has been related to an elevated threat of cardiovascular ailments, power kidney illness, and renal failure, all of which impose a considerable long-term illness burden.
Kidney stone formation is influenced by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic components, together with genetics, dietary traits, bodily exercise, BMI, and different life-style behaviors.
“Kidney stones may be silent or cause acute complications, especially pain that may be sufficiently severe so as to necessitate hospitalization,” notes Felix Knauf, MD, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, corresponding writer of the accompanying editorial “Shift Work and the Risk of Kidney Stones,” stating that in keeping with the examine, the very best threat for kidney stones occurred in people concerned with night time shift work.
Dr. Knauf elaborates, “A central impact of shift work is the disruption of circadian rhythms. Homeostasis and well being are underpinned by physiologic programs, nearly all of that are ruled by the biologic clock that dictates the periodicity, tempo, and physiologic results of circadian rhythms.
“This also applies to physiologic systems that regulate water balance and the homeostasis of solutes relevant to kidney stone formation. Thus, the observed effect of shift work in promoting kidney stone formation reflects, at least in part, its disruptive effect on circadian rhythms. The findings of this study highlight the need to explore initiatives that seek to remediate the risk factors for kidney stones, including greater flexibility in work schedules.”
Dr. Yang concludes, “Our findings come at a time when the impact of shift work on urological well being is an pressing precedence globally. Supporting wholesome life-style habits amongst shift staff may have a significant influence on their urological well being.
“Workplace health promotion initiatives could integrate educational programs emphasizing the importance of weight management, increased fluid intake, healthy sleep habits, reduced sedentary behavior, and smoking cessation. These interventions have the potential to alleviate the adverse effects of shift work on kidney stone formation and improve workers’ health.”
Extra info:
Life-style Elements within the Affiliation of Shift Work with Kidney Stone Occasions, Mayo Clinic Proceedings (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2025.03.032
Shift Work and the Danger of Kidney Stones. Mayo Clinic Proceedings (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2025.08.018
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Research hyperlinks shift work to increased threat of kidney stones, influenced by life-style components (2025, October 1)
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