(NewsNation) — Sedentary work habits and nonstandard schedules significantly increase the risk of sleep problems, according to a new University of South Florida study that tracked more than 1,000 workers over a decade.
The research, published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, found that sedentary workers face a 37% higher risk of developing insomnia symptoms. Those with nontraditional work schedules are 66% more likely to require “catch-up sleep” through napping or sleeping in on weekends.
“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 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.
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.
“Companies should be aware of the specific sleep risks of their workforce to improve detection and intervention,” Smith said.
The research team included experts from Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Arizona State University and St. Anne’s University in the Czech Republic. The study was funded by grants from the National Institute on Aging.
