About Work Schedules and Reproductive Health

Why I should worry about my work schedule

Work schedule issues can include the following:

• Working during the night
• Shift work (working nights or rotating day, evening, and night shifts)
• Irregular shifts and jet lag
• Working long hours

Working at night can change your circadian rhythms, which regulate your menstrual cycle and pregnancy hormones. Shift work and long working hours may increase your risk of menstrual disorders, miscarriages, and preterm birth. People who work at night, or who work long hours, often do not get enough sleep.

Who is exposed to rotating or night shifts, or long hours

Workers who most commonly work nights, rotating shifts, or long hours include:

• Healthcare workers
• Pilots and flight attendants
• Law enforcement and security workers
• Service workers
• Long-haul truck drivers
• Utility workers

Shiftwork and long work hours are fairly common. The number of hours Americans work each week is more than Japan and most of western Europe. 15 million Americans work full-time on evening shift, night shift, rotating shifts, or other irregular schedules. 30% of American workers get less than six hours of sleep per night, on average.

What I can do to make my work schedule better

If possible, avoid working during normal sleep time during pregnancy.

Good sleep practices and habits are always important, but especially for workers who work nights, long hours, or shift work.

• Read more about general recommendations on sleep hygiene.
• Read more about sleep hygiene tips for shift workers.

Resources

Getting help

For information on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, please see resources from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website.

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your work schedule and how it affects your health.

Where I can get more information

Learn more about work and fatigue.

Learn about general recommendations on sleep hygiene.

Learn about sleep hygiene tips for shift workers.