It’s sabotaging your sleep.
Ever found yourself lying awake at night, mind racing with thoughts about work conflicts, looming deadlines, or difficult career choices? If so, you’re not alone.
A recent study, published on January 8 in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, reveals that job-related stress is depriving many U.S. workers of essential sleep. The findings show a strong connection between workplace stress and sleep issues, highlighting a widespread problem that often goes unnoticed.
According to the study, work stress significantly raises the likelihood of experiencing sleep disturbances. Senior researcher Dr. Jian Li, a professor specializing in work and health at UCLA, emphasized that companies could adopt proactive measures to improve employee sleep quality. “Approaches such as rethinking workloads and fostering greater employee autonomy can play a crucial role in enhancing sleep health and overall well-being,” Li explained.
The research examined data collected from over 1,700 participants in a long-term study of midlife Americans, tracking them for an average of nine years. Sleep problems were assessed based on common issues such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, waking too early, and feeling unrefreshed during the day.
“Sleep issues have become a significant public health challenge, with recent data showing that about 1 in 7 adults struggles to fall asleep, while 1 in 6 faces problems staying asleep,” the researchers noted.
The team evaluated how work stress impacts sleep using six distinct methods to measure job strain. Each method revealed a clear link between increased job stress and higher risks of sleep disruption.
“These findings underscore the urgent need for early workplace strategies aimed at reducing job strain,” the study concluded. By addressing stressors in the workplace, companies can help promote better sleep, which in turn boosts both employee well-being and productivity.
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