Night shift nurse vs. morning person, who had it right?

I had a patient last Tuesday, an older guy who kept telling me that working nights was destroying my health and that I needed to switch to days like he did 30 years ago. But my 5 years on nights have me convinced the quiet pace and higher pay are worth it, so which side actually wins in the long run?

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dylanwilliams9d agoProlific Poster

Wait, you really think that 30 years from now your body is gonna thank you for this? I mean, I get the quiet nights and the shift differential, but that older guy wasn't just blowing smoke. He was probably on to something, because the science on night work is pretty grim. The messed up sleep schedule messes with your heart, your blood sugar, and even your mood over time, which is a whole lot worse than a slightly busier day shift. Plus, days might be louder, but you get to actually see the sun and have a normal social life, which counts for something when you're 60. You might be fine now, but those 5 years add up fast, and the extra cash won't mean much if you're dealing with health problems later.