Technology use may be associated with a lower risk for dementia, study finds
In the US, about 80% of the current workforce has a highly sedentary job.
Sedentary jobs typically involve sitting for long periods without doing much physical activity. Examples might include office work, computer work, or other obs where sitting at a desk is required.
Study participants reported their sleep habits at the beginning of the study, from 2004 to 2006, and again, ten years later, from 2013 to 2017. The six health indicators used in the study were sleep duration, regularity, insomnia symptoms, napping habits, daytime fatigue, and the time it took to fall asleep.
As defined by the study, Job design includes elements like how much technology you use while working, your levels of physical activity, the schedule you adhere to, and the time of day you are working.
The research analyzed data from over 1,000 workers over a 10-year period and examined how the design of a job impacts employees' sleep patterns.
On January 7, 2025, the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology published a new study saying that sedentary workers face a significantly higher risk of insomnia.
There were three distinct sleep health categories used to track changes in sleep patterns over 10 years. They were: good sleepers, insomnia sleepers, and catch-up sleepers.
Insomnia sleepers experience short sleep cycles and higher levels of daytime fatigue.
Workers who operated nontraditional schedules, namely those working overnight hours, were 66% more likely to fall into the catch-up sleeper category because of their evening shifts.
If you develop poor sleep patterns because of your job design, you're also at risk of dealing with these habits for years to come. In the study, 90% of insomnia sleepers saw continuous symptoms even 10 years later.
White-collar employees were more frequently categorized into the good sleeper or insomnia sleeper groups, while blue-collar were often categorized as catch-up sleepers because of their shift schedules.
Catch-up sleepers fall between these two groups and will often nap or spend extra time sleeping on the weekend to compensate for irregular sleeping patterns.
Insomnia sleepers also face a 72% to 188% greater risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, or frailty.
Unlike other sleep studies, where the focus is on sleep quantity or quality, this research studied many factors that could provide a deeper understanding of common sleep problems.
Spending time outdoors and in the sun helps align your circadian rhythm and can help improve sleep quality and duration.
While researchers expected extensive computer usage to worsen sleep health, there was only a tiny correlation between the two factors.
To help sleep better, avoid caffeine in the afternoon and early evening because it can affect your natural sleep-wake cycle. Opt for a decaf beverage or herbal tea.
Try to avoid screens such as phones, laptops, or tablets at least two hours before bed. Consider blue-light-blocking glasses if you're still going to engage with devices.
To help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake rhythm, make sure you're going to sleep and waking up around the same time each day, including the weekends.
Melatonin can help regulate sleep-wake cycles. Consider a low dose of melatonin to act as a sleep aid, but first, consult your doctor.
Invest in a comfortable bed, mattress, and pillows that provide support.
Create a relaxing and dark bedroom environment. Additionally, minimize light and distractions that could keep you from falling or staying asleep.
Avoiding large meals before bedtime is important. Be sure to give your body time to digest before lying down.
Consuming alcohol may help you feel sleepy initially but it can disrupt your sleep cycles later in the night.
Limiting fluids in the hours before bed can help avoid nighttime trips to the bathroom. Hydrate throughout the day and less so at night.
Regular physical activity can improve sleep quality. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week but avoid times right before you're planning to sleep.
Sources: (CNN Health) (Mayo Clinic) (National Sleep Foundation)
Before bed, consider relaxing activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to clam music.
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology has linked a sedentary work lifestyle with a 37% rise in the risk of insomnia-like symptoms. It's important to understand this study and what things you can do to ensure you are well-rested and able to live your life to the fullest each day. In this gallery, you'll learn more about which jobs are most applicable to this study, the different types of sleepers, and tips for sleeping better.
Curious about what this study had to say? Click through now.
Sedentary work linked to 37% higher risk of insomnia-like symptoms
What you need to know
HEALTH Sleep
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology has linked a sedentary work lifestyle with a 37% rise in the risk of insomnia-like symptoms. It's important to understand this study and what things you can do to ensure you are well-rested and able to live your life to the fullest each day. In this gallery, you'll learn more about which jobs are most applicable to this study, the different types of sleepers, and tips for sleeping better.
Curious about what this study had to say? Click through now.