Professional work absorbs a big part of our lives. It is primarily a source of economic and social benefits. In some cases, however, work can have a negative and even harmful impact on health and well-being. The contemporary lifestyle, especially shift work, has changed a daily rhythm of life. Time schedule, different from the natural one, affects the human body, causing changes in hormones, body temperature, mood and brain functioning. The aim of the study was to review epidemiological studies on the relationship between night shifts and the presence of some pathologies.

Key words: shift work, health status, health consequences.