Studies find that working nights can be hazardous to your health

Do you prefer working nights or days? About 15 million Americans are working either evenings, overnights, or some other kind of irregular schedule. A new study shows that these schedules may be hazardous to your health.

In fact, if this is your schedule, you could be prone to health hazards from heart attacks to obesity and, if you’re a man, severe strokes. Why? The Texas A and M study says it’s not the weird hours that get you, it’s constantly changing eating and sleeping patterns.

The study recommends you keep mealtimes the same and pay attention to cardiovascular problems. Personally, I do both. With my crazy schedule of balancing nights, some days, overnights, and comedy shows, I try to eat at least one meal every day between 5 and 6pm. I also work out with at least 30 minutes of cardio and resistance 5 days a week. I find that the better shape I’m in, the easier it is to deal with the schedule.

Most importantly though, I find that when you love what you’re doing, it energizes you, which counteracts the depression you feel about being disconnected from the rest of the world. Whatever it is that you do, find something to like about it and focus on that. Also, make as much time as possible when you’re not working for family and a social life, since it is very easy to become secluded.