31 Jan All Work and No Sleep
A new study led by University of South Florida psychologist Claire Smith reveals that highly sedentary jobs, which affect about 80% of the modern workforce, significantly increase the risk of insomnia symptoms. Published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, the study surveyed over 1,000 employees over a decade, linking sedentary work and nontraditional work hours to poorer sleep health.
The research found that sedentary workers were 37% more likely to experience insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep and disrupted sleep. Those working nontraditional hours, like night shifts, were 66% more likely to need “catch-up sleep” (e.g., napping or sleeping in on weekends). These patterns are exacerbated by technological changes, such as increased computer work, which further contribute to poor sleep.
The study identified three sleep categories: good sleepers, catch-up sleepers, and insomnia-like sleepers. Sedentary work was strongly tied to the insomnia category, while nontraditional schedules were linked to the catch-up category. The study suggests that incorporating more physical activity during the workday and limiting after-hours work could improve sleep health, both short-term and long-term.
Smith emphasized that poor sleep, caused by job design, could lead to persistent sleep issues over the years, with 90% of insomnia-like sleepers continuing to struggle after a decade. The findings suggest that companies should redesign work environments to improve sleep health and well-being, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep issues in the workplace with tailored interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250107114257.htm