The Impact of Shift Work on Police Officer Health

Police officers work around the clock through a rotating schedule of day, afternoon, and night shifts. Unfortunately, these shifts rarely align with natural sleep-wake cycles. This irregular schedule can lead to a cascade of health challenges; research has linked shift work to serious physical and mental health conditions for law enforcement, from compromised immune function to cardiovascular disease. In cases where these health issues impact their ability to work, seeking guidance from a Denver workers comp attorney can help officers navigate their workers’ compensation claims.

Poor Sleep Quality

Due to their demanding jobs, police officers who work on rotating shifts rarely get a good night’s sleep. One study found that night shift officers experience 70% higher rates of poor sleep quality compared to their day shift counterparts, while afternoon shift workers report 49% higher rates of sleep disturbance. This chronic sleep deficit can carry serious risks—sleep-deprived officers may suffer from serious injuries due to slower reaction times and impaired decision-making abilities.

Chronic Stress and Mental Health Problems

Shift work may also amplify the stress that is already inherent to police work. Officers assigned to afternoon and night shifts report significantly more stressful events than day shift personnel. Additionally, evening and night shift officers demonstrate four times higher rates of depression symptoms compared to day shift workers. The higher the stress levels, the greater the risk of depression. 

Immune System Issues

Long-term night shift work may also compromise officers’ immune function. One study found elevated white blood cell counts in night shift officers compared to day shift officers. This immune system disruption leaves officers more vulnerable to illness and may impact their body’s ability to heal from injuries and fight off infections.

An Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Officers who work non-traditional hours also face greater risks of cardiovascular disease. According to medical research, night shift officers have more markers of inflammation compared to day shift personnel—a key indicator of heart disease risk. Police officers who work night or afternoon shifts are more likely to be absent from work due to sickness, especially overweight officers. 

A Higher Risk of On-the-Job Injuries

Working nights can take a physical toll on police officer health. Night shift workers are more likely to suffer from on-the-job injuries than their day shift counterparts—these officers require long-term injury leave at twice the rate of afternoon shift workers and three times the rate of day shift personnel.

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim as a Colorado Police Officer

Police officers who are hurt on the job deserve to feel supported and protected through their recovery journey. Workers’ compensation claims with a Denver workplace injury lawyer allow officers to receive essential medical treatment and wage replacement benefits without facing financial hardship while healing. However, the injury or occupational illness must be directly related to the officer’s duties to qualify for compensation.

If you want to pursue a workers’ compensation claim as a police officer, a Denver workers comp lawyer can provide the guidance that you need during this challenging time. A can assess your eligibility and initiate your claim, helping you secure the appropriate medical care and disability benefits that you need for your recovery. To learn more about your legal options, schedule a free legal consultation with a Denver workplace injury attorney to discuss your situation and develop a strategy for securing the compensation you deserve.