Can working night shifts actually shorten your life?

Some scientists claim long-term shift work could reduce life expectancy by up to 15 years, while dramatically increasing the risk of depression, burnout, heart disease, and suicide. But what does the research really show about the health risks of night shifts, rotating shifts, and irregular work schedules…and how can shift workers protect their health?

In this special shift work health episode of MAN ALIVE, leading men’s health specialist and NHS GP Dr Jeff Foster breaks down the science behind shift work, sleep disruption, circadian rhythm damage, and long-term health risks.

Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, emergency worker, factory worker, or anyone working night shifts, Dr Foster explains the practical strategies shift workers can use to optimise sleep, protect heart health, improve mental health, and reduce the long-term risks associated with shift work.

In this episode we cover the health risks of night shifts vs day shifts, the difference between rotating shifts, irregular shifts, and 9-5 work, how shift workers can optimise sleep and circadian rhythm, practical ways to reduce cardiovascular risk and burnout, the truth about research linking shift work to lower life expectancy, night work, healthy lifestyle, cancer prevention, sleep health, and simple lifestyle strategies that help night shift workers stay healthy, energised, and mentally resilient.

-

Topics:

Experience of Shift Work as a Doctor

The Main Issues with Night Shifts

Staying Healthy on Night Shifts

Normal Shifts vs Night Shifts

Strategies to Help

Optimising Health for 9-5 Workers

Top 5 Strategies for Healthy Sleep

-

Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://www.joinvoy.com/trt/testosterone-blood-test?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=manalive-NIGHTSHIFT

-

Follow Man Alive:

https://instagram.com/manalivepodcast

https://facebook.com/drjefffoster

https://tiktok.com/man.alive.podcast

MAN ALIVE is presented by Voy.

Ex-Royal Marines Commando Sniper Aldo Kane pushes his body to the limits pursuing world records and exploring extreme environments. Will his blood test results show a picture of solid recovery or highlight a need to slow down?Aldo Kane is a former Royal Marines Commando Sniper turned TV adventurer, author, and world record holder with over 20 years' experience working in some of the most extreme, remote and inhospitable places on the planet. He joins leading men's health specialist Dr Jeff Foster to discuss his blood test results in the MAN ALIVE studio.In this episode we discuss fatherhood, men's health, the physiology of extreme environments, how to build courage, discipline, and resilience, how to conquer fear and pursue personal growth, what Aldo learned about life from being close to death, his blood test results, how much can the male body endure, how to find adventure in daily life, and much more...-Topics:Life on the Edge of DeathThe Physiology of DangerHow to Be Calm Under Extreme PressureAldo’s New World RecordHow Much Can the Male Body Endure?The Hidden Health Toll of Elite PerformersAldo’s Blood Test ResultsLife Lessons From Extreme Expeditions Masculinity in the Royal MarinesAdvice to Struggling MenFatherhood Lessons From the MarinesImportance of Strictness & DisciplineDaily Habits to Build ResilienceOne Thing All Men Should Do Before They DieWhere to Find Aldo-Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://www.joinvoy.com/trt/testosterone-blood-test?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=manalive-ALDOKANE-Follow Man Alive:https://instagram.com/manalivepodcasthttps://facebook.com/drjefffosterhttps://tiktok.com/man.alive.podcast-MAN ALIVE is presented by Voy.

After 20 years at the top of the SAS, he’s one-in-a-million when it comes to resilience, discipline, respect, and fitness. But how will years on the frontline impact his real blood test results?Billy Billingham was a Sergeant Major in the SAS, the pride of the UK’s elite special forces. He is now an author, speaker, and leader on the popular TV show SAS: Who Dares Wins. He joins leading men’s health specialist and GP Dr Jeff Foster in the MAN ALIVE Studio to talk about his health, what advice he has for men, and to find out his blood test results.In this episode, we discuss Billy’s childhood, his journey into the military, his relationship with his father, what 20 years of the SAS does to you physically, Billy’s blood test results, how Billy came to realise that PTSD is real, Billy’s transition into civilian life, his relationship with alcohol, and much more…-Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://www.joinvoy.com/trt/testosterone-blood-test?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=manalive-BILLYBILLINGHAM-Follow Man Alive:https://instagram.com/manalivepodcasthttps://facebook.com/drjefffosterhttps://tiktok.com/man.alive.podcastMAN ALIVE is presented by Voy.

This leading alcohol and drugs expert was dramatically sacked by the UK Government after declaring that alcohol was worse than heroin, so what is the unfiltered truth about alcohol and how can men have a healthier relationship with drinking?In this episode of the MAN ALIVE podcast, leading men's health specialist GP Dr Jeff Foster sits down with renowned neuropsychopharmacologist David Nutt. A former UK government drugs advisor and one of the most cited scientists in neuroscience, Professor Nutt has spent decades researching alcohol, addiction, and the brain. Together they unpack the science of drinking, the cultural role alcohol plays in men’s lives, and whether it’s possible to enjoy alcohol without damaging your health.In this episode, we discuss why younger generations are drinking less, the role pubs and social drinking play in male connection, the evolutionary and biological pull toward alcohol, whether alcohol is more harmful than other drugs, what alcohol actually does to the brain, why people experience alcohol differently, the effects of alcohol on sleep, heart health and testosterone, whether moderate drinking can be healthy, when alcohol use becomes dependency, the psychology of addiction and shame, how to recognise unhealthy drinking habits, strategies for cutting down alcohol safely, what a healthy relationship with alcohol looks like, and whether safer alcohol alternatives could change drinking culture.Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://www.joinvoy.com/trt/testosterone-blood-test?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=manalive-PROFESSORNUTTFollow Man Alive:https://instagram.com/manalivepodcasthttps://facebook.com/drjefffosterhttps://tiktok.com/man.alive.podcastMAN ALIVE is presented by Voy.#menshealth #alcohol #healthpodcast

Imagine having heart failure on stage during a comedy show, being rushed to hospital, fighting through a brutal recovery, and then launching a headline UK tour inspired by the experience. That’s exactly what happened to Emmanuel Sonubi.Emmanuel Sonubi joins leading men’s health specialist Dr Jeff Foster in the MAN ALIVE studio to unpack the moment he experienced heart failure on stage in Dubai and how that shaped his physical and mental health moving forwards. Of course, Dr Jeff Foster also goes through Emmanuel’s blood test results.In this episode, we discuss Emmanuel’s recovery after heart failure in Dubai, his life as a bouncer, how he stays healthy on tour, how coming close to death changed his outlook on life, whether being a father is more difficult than being a bouncer, Emmanuel’s biggest advice for men, whether or not Emmanuel should use testosterone replacement therapy, how his blood test results look, and more…-Topics:Emmanuel’s On-Stage Health ScareTurning The Experience Into A Comedy TourEmmanuel’s Blood Test ResultsBeing a Dancer, Bouncer & DadStepping Into ComedyLifestyle Before & After Heart FailureHow to Help Men Talk More OpenlyWhat Emmanuel Cares Less About NowEmmanuel’s New Tour ‘Life After Near Death’Health Goals For the FutureOne Piece of Advice For MenWhere to Find Emmanuel-Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://www.joinvoy.com/trt/testosterone-blood-test?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=manalive-EMMANUELSONUBI-Get tickets for Emmanuel's new stand up show 'Life After Near Death:' https://www.emmanuelstandup.com/-Follow Man Alive:https://instagram.com/manalivepodcasthttps://facebook.com/drjefffosterhttps://tiktok.com/man.alive.podcast-MAN ALIVE is presented by Voy.#standupcomedy #menshealth #healthpodcast

Are men going through their own version of menopause?In this episode of MAN ALIVE, NHS GP and leading men's health specialist Dr Jeff Foster breaks down everything you need to know about testosterone: what it is, why levels are falling, how it affects mood, sex drive, strength, motivation and long-term health, and when it might be time to take action. Drawing on his clinical experience working with men navigating midlife fatigue, low mood, weight gain and loss of drive, Jeff cuts through the misinformation to explain what’s really happening inside the male body and what you can do about it.In this episode, we discuss male menopause, what testosterone actually is, symptoms of low testosterone, testosterone and sexual function, why testosterone levels are decreasing, causes of low testosterone, treatment options, how to naturally boost testosterone, lifestyle factors affecting hormones, stress and cortisol’s impact on testosterone, supplements for testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), whether TRT is safe, risks and benefits of hormone therapy, and why Dr Jeff is passionate about helping men understand and optimise their testosterone.-Timestamps:00:00 Menopause For Men?03:54 What is Testosterone?06:09 Symptoms of Low Testosterone09:00 Testosterone & Sexual Function11:33 Decreasing Testosterone Levels14:20 Treating Low Testosterone15:12 Causes of Low Testosterone19:23 How to Naturally Boost Testosterone25:26 How Stress Impacts Testosterone27:24 Supplements For Testosterone28:53 Explaining TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)32:29 Is TRT Safe?34:01 Why Dr Jeff is Passionate About Testosterone-Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://www.joinvoy.com/trt/testosterone-blood-test?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=manalive-TRTSOLO-Follow Man Alive:https://instagram.com/manalivepodcasthttps://facebook.com/drjefffosterhttps://tiktok.com/man.alive.podcast-MAN ALIVE is presented by Voy.#testosterone #menshealth #trt

James Haskell is a former England international rugby union player turned podcast host, broadcaster, and DJ.In this episode of MAN ALIVE James Haskell sits down with men’s health specialist and host Dr Jeff Foster for one of his most open conversations yet. We put James through comprehensive blood testing and use the results as a starting point to explore the long-term physical and psychological cost of elite sport. From chronic injuries to identity loss after retirement, this is an unfiltered look at what high performance really demands and what it leaves behind.In this episode, we discuss James Haskell’s blood test results, the long-term health impact of professional rugby, repeated injuries and recovery, inflammation and physical wear and tear, mental health in elite sport, therapy and emotional resilience, ADHD and performance, life after rugby, retirement transition, loss of identity, rebuilding purpose, stress, masculinity, high performance culture, and what normal men can learn from elite athletes about longevity and looking after their bodies…-Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://www.joinvoy.com/trt/testosterone-blood-test?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=manalive-JAMESHASKELL-Follow Man Alive:https://instagram.com/manalivepodcasthttps://facebook.com/drjefffosterhttps://tiktok.com/man.alive.podcast-MAN ALIVE is presented by Voy.

Most men don’t realise how inactive they’ve become until their health quietly starts paying the price; this NHS Doctor believes that movement, community, and nutrition can save them.In this episode of MAN ALIVE, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi joins men's health specialist and host Dr Jeff Foster for a no-nonsense, practical conversation about modern male health, movement, motivation and why the system often makes staying well harder than it should be. This episode strips health back to what actually works for busy, ageing men trying to stay strong, energised and disease-free.In this episode, we discuss why modern men are so inactive, what the first steps to getting healthier are, Hussain’s own health journey, why men avoid talking about their health, weight-loss drugs, how to build a healthy weekly routine, the minimum effective amount of exercise for health improvement, ageing and movement, the Active Practice Charter getting Doctors to be healthier, nutrition advice on social media, why nutrition feels so confusing, healthy eating for busy men, the power of community, reducing chronic disease in the UK, unhealthy work culture, how medicine can unintentionally encourage inactivity, how to sell health to normal men, key take-home messages, and more...-Get the same blood test as our celebrity guests: https://www.joinvoy.com/trt/testosterone-blood-test?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=manalive-HUSSAINALZUBAIDI-Follow Man Alive:https://instagram.com/manalivepodcasthttps://facebook.com/drjefffosterhttps://tiktok.com/man.alive.podcast-MAN ALIVE is presented by Voy.