MigraineMind research summary
Shift work, headache, and migraine in a large cohort of Dutch nurses.
Ann Work Expo Health | 2026
Observational studySummary
Shift work is common among nurses and may lead to headaches and migraines. This study looked at Dutch nurses to understand this connection better. Nearly 60,000 participants completed surveys in 2011 and over 37,000 in 2017. They reported their headache and migraine experiences, work history, sleep issues, and lifestyle factors. Researchers used specific questionnaires to assess headache and migraine severity. They found that those who ever worked shifts had a 4% higher chance of headaches. The study also explored how current shift work status and duration affected headache and migraine prevalence. Overall, the findings suggest that working shifts may increase the risk of headache disorders among nurses. Understanding this link can help healthcare professionals address headache issues in shift workers better. Clinical relevance: This research indicates that shift work may increase headache and migraine risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for nurses and other shift workers experiencing these conditions.
Key Learning Points
- Nurses who work shifts are at a higher risk of experiencing headaches and migraines compared to those who do not work shifts.
- The study surveyed nearly 60,000 Dutch nurses to assess the impact of shift work on headache disorders.
- Current shift work status and duration are important factors influencing the prevalence of headaches and migraines.
- Understanding the relationship between shift work and headaches can help healthcare professionals provide better support to affected nurses.
- Targeted interventions may be necessary to address headache issues specifically among shift workers in healthcare settings.
Original research
Read the original publication and review its full methods and findings on PubMed.
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