Ep. 6 -Dr Clare Corish -Sleep & Shift Work

In this episode I sat down Dr Clare Corish. Professor of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at UCD, with over 15 years of hands-on dietetic practice in Ireland, the UK, and Saudi Arabia.

She spearheaded Ireland’s first professional graduate programme in clinical nutrition and dietetics and has an extensive track record in research, education, and clinical practice.

We spoke about Nutrition for Shift Workers

• • Dietary patterns and challenges: Shift workers often report skipping meals, poor dietary choices, insufficient sleep, and low physical activity—factors that increase health risks.

  • Barriers identified: Insufficient breaks, irregular work patterns, limited healthy food availability, and fatigue drive unhealthy behaviours among shift workers.

  • Broader implications: These lifestyle disruptions contribute to increased risk of obesity, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and psychosocial stress.

• Gut Health & General Well-Being

  • Dr Corish's spoke about the link between disrupted eating/sleep patterns and gastrointestinal and mental health. This is well supported in broader literature.

  • We explored how irregular meal timing, poor food choices, and stress can influence digestive health and overall wellbeing, plus strategies for nurturing resilience and sleep health in demanding schedules.

• Actionable Takeaways

  • Practical tips:

    • Establish consistent meal timing where possible;

    • Prioritize whole foods, especially fruits, vegetables, and proteins;

    • Reduce reliance on vending machines and soft drinks;

    • Advocate for adequate break times and recovery routines.

  • Highlighting the importance of workplace environment: Healthy habits aren’t just individual choices—they’re shaped by work conditions.

  • Public health perspective: Dr Corish emphasizes tailored interventions for shift workers and the need for nutrition education embedded in workplace wellness policies.