Overview

• An analysis of 226,459 UK Biobank participants over a median 13.7 years found a 15% higher incidence of kidney stones among shift workers, rising to 22% for night shifts.
• Risk was more pronounced among workers younger than 50 and those in roles with little heavy manual labor, including desk-based jobs.
• Mediation analyses showed partial contributions from modifiable factors such as BMI, low fluid intake, smoking, unhealthy sleep duration, and sedentary time.
• Longer histories of shift work were linked to slightly lower risk, which researchers say may reflect adaptation or a healthy worker effect that warrants further study.
• Authors urge workplace prevention efforts emphasizing hydration, healthy sleep, weight control, physical activity, and smoking cessation, and they note the findings are observational.