Sleep is called the foundation of health because a good night’s sleep is very important for overall physical and mental health. Compromising this can pave the way for major health concerns. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology and led by psychologist Claire Smith of the University of South Florida points to some work habits that affect sleep. It is important to understand and improve these to get peaceful sleep.
Red Flag Work Habits for Sleep
The study narrowed down two main work habits that are most likely to develop insomnia-like symptoms, such as trouble falling asleep, waking up at night, and feeling tired or groggy throughout the day. These are annoying work habits to pay attention to:
to do sedentary work
Working at a desk and sitting without any movement for long periods of time increases the chances of developing insomnia and struggling with sleep. Studies have shown that sedentary workers are 37% more likely to experience insomnia-like symptoms than those who keep themselves active at work with frequent movement.
working odd hours
Often the work requires working odd hours or non-traditional hours such as night shifts and other regular hours. The study said these workers would try to ‘regain’ their sleep on the weekend to make up for lost sleep. This includes taking naps or sleeping in longer throughout the weekend to recover from lack of sleep.
According to Claire Smith, healthy sleep isn’t just a few hours of sleep. “Healthy sleep involves more than getting your eight hours,” he said. This also includes falling asleep easily, sleeping through the night, and having a consistent sleep schedule. Companies should be aware of the specific sleep risks of their workforce to improve detection and intervention.”
Also read: No set time to sleep? Studies show that even if you sleep 8 hours, your risk of heart attack and stroke can increase by 26%
Solution
Addressing these concerns, Claire Smith and her study recommended getting enough activity during work to avoid being completely sedentary. Along with this, one should also avoid doing checkups at work after hours. There should be a limit. These types of healthy habits can protect against poor sleep problems for the next decade.
The responsibility does not lie entirely on employees, as the study urged employers to change work design in a way that does not affect sleep. Good sleep is essential for productivity, leading to better output at work.
“This is especially important for both employers and employees, as research shows that poor sleep health impacts productivity, well-being and overall health,” she said.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
Also read: Stress to Sleep: Expert Advice on How to Sleep Better Tonight
