Young people working night shifts may face a significantly increased risk of developing kidney stones, according to new research published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

The study found that shift workers — particularly younger individuals and those in less physically demanding roles — are 15 per cent more likely to develop kidney stones than their counterparts working regular daytime hours.

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Researchers suggest that the disruption of circadian rhythms caused by long-term shift work, especially during the night, may affect metabolism, hormone levels, and lifestyle behaviours, all of which contribute to kidney stone formation.

“We found that shift work is associated with a higher risk of kidney stone events; an association that is partially mediated by several lifestyle factors, including smoking, sleep, fluid intake, and BMI,” said lead author Yin Yang from the Department of Epidemiology at Sun Yat-sen University in China.

The study analysed data from over 220,000 participants over a median follow-up period of nearly 14 years. It examined how different aspects of shift work — including frequency, duration, and type — were linked to the incidence of kidney stones.

Kidney stones are a common but preventable urological condition, with global prevalence estimates ranging from 1 per cent to 13 per cent. The condition is also linked to more serious long-term health risks, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and renal failure.

The research highlights the role of both biological and lifestyle factors in kidney stone development, including BMI, hydration levels, physical activity, and dietary habits.

In a related editorial, Felix Knauf of the Mayo Clinic’s Division of Nephrology and Hypertension underscored the particular impact of night shifts, noting, “A central effect of shift work is the disruption of circadian rhythms. Homeostasis and health are underpinned by physiologic systems, virtually all of which are governed by the biologic clock that dictates the periodicity, tempo, and physiologic effects of circadian rhythms.”

The findings contribute to growing concerns over the long-term health implications of shift work and underline the importance of mitigating lifestyle-related risks in occupational health planning.

IANS