Sedentary Work and Irregular Schedules Associated with Chronic Sleep Issues
Recent studies indicate a 37 percent increase in insomnia among office employees.
A comprehensive study spanning a decade that involved almost 1,300 full-time workers revealed that sedentary jobs reliant on technology significantly elevate the risk of chronic sleep issues. The research found that employees who primarily work on computers are 37 percent more likely to exhibit symptoms of insomnia that may linger for years.
Effects of Workplace Structure
The extensive study was recently published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology and highlighted alarming trends in sleep wellness among full-time workers. Researchers analyzed data that is nationally representative, involving nearly 1,300 full-time employees over ten years.
The study categorized sleepers into three groups: healthy sleepers with regular patterns, “catch-up” sleepers who depend on naps and weekend recuperation, and insomnia-prone sleepers who face challenges with consistent sleep.
Sedentary employees demonstrated a 37 percent rise in insomnia-like symptoms. Additionally, those working unconventional hours, such as night shifts, were 66 percent more likely to rely on catch-up sleep, which is characterized by frequent napping or extended sleep on weekends.
Jobs centered around computers often necessitate prolonged exposure to screens, which can disturb sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by these screens interferes with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle by diminishing melatonin production, a hormone crucial for sleep.
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The analysis revealed that 90 percent of participants experiencing insomnia-like symptoms continued to have issues a decade later.
“This is crucial for both employers and employees, as research indicates that poor sleep quality negatively affects productivity, wellness, and overall health,” Smith remarked in the release.
Enhancing sleep quality may require more than just adjusting work hours, Smith noted. The results imply that incorporating physical activity during work hours and minimizing after-hours work could not only improve sleep that night but also guard against persistent sleep issues in the years to come, she added.
“Healthy sleep encompasses more than simply achieving eight hours,” she stated. “It also involves easily falling asleep, maintaining uninterrupted sleep, and adhering to a regular sleep schedule.”
Employers “should recognize the specific sleep-related challenges faced by their workforce to enhance detection and intervention,” Smith pointed out.
Long-Term Effects
According to Dr. Andrew Zinchuk, a specialist in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Yale Medicine, the repercussions of insufficient sleep can accumulate.
Consequences of disrupted sleep can lead to diminished memory, concentration, and decision-making skills.
