It is well-known that shift work is hard on the body. New research not only confirms that but shows the adverse effects of shift work can last even after returning to a normal schedule. There are some fifteen million people working shifts, such as hospital personnel, emergency responders, factory workers and others. Previous studies showed that most people only do shift work for five to eight years before presumably going back to normal work schedules. This study focused on what happens to our health after going back to a normal schedule. It showed persistent abnormal sleep patterns continued later in life along with greater risk of health disorders, including diabetes, heart attacks, cancer and strokes.