ASSOCIATION OF MELATONIN SECRETION IN NIGHT SHIFT HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN WESTERN UTTAR PRADESH
Introduction: The pineal gland is positioned in the hypothalamus of the brain and it is influenced by the level of exposure to light. Melatonin secretion exhibits a diurnal rhythm, its level rises sharply 3-5 hours after sleep. Night shift work has been found to expose individuals to several elements that can potentially disrupt the circadian physiological mechanism. Insufficient sleep as well as sleep disorders resulting from shift work, have been linked to adverse impacts on hormonal regulation and an increase in energy balance. Aim: To find association between melatonin secretion in night shift and day shift healthcare workers in a tertiary care Hospital in Western UP Materials and Methods: Blood Samples of night shift and day shift healthcare workers were collected and melatonin levels were estimated in the plasma using ELISA. Anthropometry measurements like weight and height were also measured. Results: Insignificant variations in the melatonin levels between night shift and day shift healthcare workers were observed. Conclusion: Insignificant variations in the melatonin levels between night shift and day shift healthcare workers were observed. There is no correlation of melatonin with BMI and age in both case and control study groups. It can be concluded from this study, that melatonin levels do not vary according to the time of shift and duration of sleep at night.
Melatonin, Shift Work, Healthcare Workers, ELISA