In today’s fast-paced, round-the-clock work culture, night shifts have become routine for many individuals. While this may seem like a career necessity, it can also hurt fertility. Frequent night shifts can disturb hormonal balance, reduce sperm quality in men, and affect ovulation in women, making it harder to conceive naturally.
Night shifts disturb the body`s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates hormone production, metabolism, and sleep. Irregular sleep patterns can lead to a spike in stress hormones, insulin resistance, and imbalances in reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These disruptions not only increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and mood disorders, but also are linked to growing infertility issues in both sexes.
Dr Rita Modi, senior IVF Consultant, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Kharghar, “Melatonin, the sleep hormone, also acts as an antioxidant that protects eggs and sperm from oxidative damage. we have seen night shift workers have low melatonin levels, which hampers the egg and sperm quality. Another aspect to note here is that the negative impact of night shifts on fertility isn’t always reversible the moment they switch to day shifts. The disruption in cardiac rhythm over such a long period causes hormonal imbalance, lower ovarian reserve in women, and long-term sperm quality issues in men. Even after getting back to a normal schedule, recovery might not happen completely; it depends on lifestyle factors as well. Frequent night shifts can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting sperm quality in men and ovulation in women. This disturbance in the body’s natural clock may silently induce fertility challenges for both genders. For many of these couples, ART is not just a medical solution but a ray of hope. The sooner they seek help from fertility specialists, the better it is. This is so because they can be guided through tailored treatments and embrace parenthood.”
Dr Soumya Shetty, fertility specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Chembur said “We are increasingly seeing young couples where either one or both partners are working night shifts, facing unexplained infertility. Night shift disrupts melatonin and cortisol levels, which directly affect egg and sperm health. Common symptoms to watch for include irregular periods, fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and increased anxiety or sleep disturbances. For such patients, ART procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF can help overcome hormonal irregularities and improve chances of conception. But early intervention is key. Individuals experiencing these signs, especially if working irregular hours, should consider fertility evaluation,”
“In a society where 24/7 jobs are becoming the norm, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance, prioritise quality sleep, and seek timely medical support. “For those facing fertility challenges due to night shifts, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF offer conception. These treatments can help counter the hormonal disruptions caused by irregular schedules and improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. With proper guidance and medical support, the dream of parenthood is very much achievable even for shift workers,” concluded Dr Anuranjita Pallavi, senior gynecologist and IVF consultant at Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.