The study analyzed data from the national Midlife in the United States study, categorizing workers into three groups: good sleepers, catch-up sleepers and insomnia-like sleepers. Researchers found that sedentary work – which affects an estimated 80% of today's workforce – strongly correlates with insomnia symptoms, including difficulty falling asleep and frequent interruptions.
"The way we are designing work poses serious, long-term threats to healthy sleep," said lead researcher Claire Smith, a USF psychologist. "Healthy sleep involves more than just getting your eight hours." The study tracked more than 1,000 workers over a decade showing lasting effects.
Night shift workers and those with irregular schedules were more likely to need catch-up sleep. The effects appear to be long-lasting, with 90% of insomnia-like sleepers continuing to experience symptoms after 10 years.
Smith said regular movement during work hours and limiting after-hours work could help protect against long-term sleep problems. The findings suggest that job design should prioritize sleep health to improve worker well-being and productivity.
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