Peers and MPs will shortly receive a survey that asks: “How do you sleep at night?” It’s not a cheeky attempt to breach privacy – its aim is to encourage parliamentarians to clock their time asleep to raise awareness of the dangers experienced by the growing army of night workers: the “forgotten shift”.
In a 24-hour society, night work has expanded hugely, accelerated by the cost of living crisis and childcare fees. The night shift pays a premium – but it can also punish people in ways not experienced on day shifts. Night workers are 37% more likely than day workers to have a heart attack, 44% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and 32% more likely to have a miscarriage, while obesity and memory loss are also factors.
