Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT252

The thyroid gland plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolism, energy expenditure, and overall hormonal balance. As such, it is highly sensitive to disruptions in circadian rhythms, which govern the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Circadian disruption, often seen in individuals working night shifts, can lead to significant alterations in thyroid function, with potential long-term health implications. This study investigates the effects of night shift work on thyroid health, focusing on how irregular sleep patterns influence the regulation of key thyroid hormones, including triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Night shift work interferes with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to misalignment between the internal biological clock and external environmental cues. This misalignment disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, the system responsible for regulating thyroid hormone production. As a result, night shift workers often experience fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels, which may manifest as subclinical or overt thyroid dysfunction. The study explores the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to these hormonal alterations, including changes in light exposure, sleep deprivation, and the associated disruption of neuroendocrine pathways. In addition to its effects on thyroid function, night shift work is strongly associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions are frequently linked to thyroid dysfunction, as the thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis. Disruptions in thyroid hormone levels can exacerbate metabolic disturbances, creating a vicious cycle that further impairs metabolic health. Our findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to regularly monitor thyroid function in night shift workers, as early detection of thyroid dysregulation can help prevent or mitigate the long-term consequences of thyroid disorders. Routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in this population is essential to identify individuals at risk of developing metabolic disorders. Furthermore, we advocate for the development of standardized protocols for thyroid health monitoring, particularly for individuals in occupations that require frequent or prolonged night shift work. Ultimately, improving our understanding of these relationships may help inform workplace health policies and contribute to the development of targeted interventions aimed at minimizing the negative health impacts of night shift work.