Sedentary work and irregular hours significantly impact sleep health
People whose jobs are highly sedentary—an estimated 80% of the modern workforce—experience a much higher risk of insomnia symptoms, according to a new study led by the University of South Florida.
The findings also show that nonstandard work times also are significant threats to sleep health.
Those two factors, hastened by technological changes such as increased computer work, are linked to a 37% increase in insomnia symptoms among sedentary workers.
The way we are designing work poses serious, long-term threats to healthy sleep, researchers said. Healthy sleep involves more than just getting your eight hours.
It’s also falling asleep easily, sleeping through the night and having a consistent sleep schedule.
Companies should be aware of the sleep risks of their workforce to improve detection and intervention. The research suggests that moving your body during the workday and limiting after-hours work may not just help you sleep well that night, but protect against ongoing sleep problems a decade later.
