People could be putting their bodies through a process that humans are 'not designed' to cope with15:18, 28 May 2026A habit that millions of Brits do every single day without thinking "isn't natural", according to a TV doctor. Workers in certain jobs could be subjecting their bodies to a process that humans are "not designed" to handle naturally.‌Data from the Office for National Statistics suggests that up to 8.7 million people (roughly 27% of the workforce) work night shifts or rotate shifts. Countless people are obliged to work these hours across various sectors, including retail and services, healthcare, manufacturing, and emergency services - including staff like nurses, warehouse workers and shop assistants.‌However, despite these industries operating around the clock in some instances, the human body isn't built for this, Dr Amir Khan maintains. During a recent episode of his No Appointment Necessary podcast, the NHS GP said: "Our bodies are not evolved to do shift work.‌"Shift work is a modern thing, part of capitalism, that's been thrust upon us. It sees us more as functional units rather than actual human beings. Your body is not designed to stay up all night one week and then work days the next week."Drawing on his experience as a practising doctor, Dr Khan reveals he struggled with the shift patterns of working in a hectic A&E department and having to "get sleep when he could", reports the Express. The medic, best known for his early morning slots on ITV programmes such as Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, said: "It is always better to get into a rhythm.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌"Some people really like working nights, then sleeping through the day and having the day to do the stuff that they might want to do as well later on." If you can work consistently one shift for a period of time, your body can get into a rhythm. That is better than switching and changing all the time."The podcast host claims that, while shift work might be normal, it’s not natural. It has been claimed that going to work and clocking out at consistent times each week has a range of benefits outside the workplace too.Fixed working hours can offer employees a predictable routine that boosts productivity and creates clear divisions between work and home life, helping to ward off burnout. A set schedule also makes it far simpler to arrange personal appointments, childcare, and social engagements on a regular basis.‌Research has shown that working steady hours with a dependable schedule keeps the body in sync with its natural circadian rhythm. By stabilising working hours, people can then develop a more regular sleep pattern, optimising deep, restorative sleep phases.Steering clear of the irregular sleep patterns typical of rotating shifts dramatically cuts daytime fatigue. Maintaining a natural sleep-wake cycle has also been associated with sustaining more stable blood pressure and heart rate.‌Beyond promoting better sleep habits, a consistent shift pattern enables people to maintain regular, daytime eating routines and lowers the risk of irregular snacking and metabolic disturbance.Can I request a more structured shift rota?In most situations, a brief conversation with your manager can help you secure more consistent shifts. Ask for 10-15 minutes of their time to discuss your rota.Put forward your request by emphasising workplace benefits, such as increased productivity and improved task focus, rather than simply personal convenience. You might suggest implementing a trial period to demonstrate the new pattern's long-term viability.Article continues belowPropose looking at the revised schedule again, following a trial period sufficient to show outcomes over time (for example, 30 days). This reduces the risk for your boss and demonstrates your readiness to find a middle ground.