7 health pitfalls for night shift workers and how to avoid them

As a night shift worker, you’re used to a schedule that’s the reverse of the rest of the working world. But working the night shift isn’t just a matter of being awake at different hours than most people—this shift can be isolating, and also carries with it serious health implications, including higher chances of obesity and chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. Typically, night shift work is often not a choice—whether the job demands it, or because it suits your life, most nurses cannot easily switch to a different schedule. Here are the seven common pitfalls of night shift nurses—plus, everything you need to know to avoid these traps.