12 hour shifts - Inhuman
- Renuka Gupta
- Jun 29
- 2 min read

12 hour shifts: Who are the ones implementing such shifts, is this humane ?
This is slow death to mind, body, impacting relationships and causing one to use more addictions to cope with the stress caused by such long hours of work.
Who is the one even coming up with such ideas ? Where is the Humanity in this?
Working 12-hour shifts, especially when done consistently over time or during nights, can have serious impacts on both the mind and body. While they are common in healthcare, manufacturing, emergency services, and tech sectors, the long-term effects can be damaging if not managed properly. Here's a clear breakdown of the key impacts:
Impacts on the Mind
1. Mental Fatigue: Long shifts deplete cognitive resources, reducing alertness, decision-making, and focus.
2. Mood Disorders: Chronic overwork is linked to anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout.
3. Reduced Motivation & Creativity: Prolonged fatigue limits the brain’s ability to think creatively or solve problems effectively.
4. Poor Memory & Concentration: Sleep debt from extended shifts affects memory retention and attention span.
5. Emotional Instability: Irritability, frustration, and emotional exhaustion become common, especially with insufficient recovery time.
Impacts on the Body
1. Sleep Disruption: Night shifts or irregular schedules disrupt the circadian rhythm, leading to insomnia and poor sleep quality.
2. Weakened Immunity: The body’s ability to fight off illness decreases, making workers more prone to infections.
3. Increased Risk of Chronic Illness: Higher chances of cardiovascular issues, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
4. Musculoskeletal Strain: Especially in physical jobs, long hours lead to back pain, joint issues, and chronic muscle fatigue.
5. Gastrointestinal Problems: Irregular meals and stress contribute to acidity, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Long-Term Consequences
Cognitive decline with age
Higher risk of accidents and errors at work
Broken social/family life due to lack of time
Addiction to stimulants (e.g., caffeine, nicotine)
Increased mortality risk in shift workers (especially night shift)
Mitigation Tips
Prioritize deep sleep and use dark, quiet environments.
Take short breaks during shifts to reset mental focus.
Practice light exercise, stretching, and breathwork to release built-up tension.
Follow a nutritious diet and stay hydrated.
Use rotating shifts with rest days, and avoid doing more than 3–4 long shifts in a row if possible.
Build mindfulness or grounding rituals post-shift (even just 10–15 minutes).
Blessings
Divine Source
🙏🌟
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