Sitting at Work Could Be the Hidden Cause of Your Sleepless Nights: Study

Islamabad:If you often struggle to sleep, wake up multiple times during the night, or find it hard to fall asleep, the cause could be linked to your job. A new study suggests that spending long hours sitting at a desk, especially in office jobs, significantly increases the risk of insomnia.

According to research conducted by the University of South Florida, leading a sedentary lifestyle, where most of the day is spent sitting, not only increases the risk of several diseases but also makes it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Researchers explained that while we know sleep plays a critical role in improving health and wellbeing, the nature of many modern jobs negatively impacts sleep patterns.

The study analyzed data from over 1,000 working individuals collected over a period of 10 years, from 2004 to 2017, to examine the effects of sitting for prolonged periods on sleep quality. Participants’ sleep habits were assessed at the start of the study and again after a decade. Various factors, including sleep duration, continuity, symptoms of insomnia, napping habits, daytime fatigue, and time taken to fall asleep, were considered.

The results revealed that participants were divided into three groups: those who enjoyed good sleep, those suffering from insomnia, and those who compensated for sleep loss by napping during breaks or on weekends. The study found that night shift workers were primarily in the third group, while day-shift workers were more likely to belong to either the good sleep or insomnia group.

Remarkably, the study found that 90% of individuals in the insomnia group still experienced sleep difficulties 10 years later. Previous research by the same team also linked insomnia with a higher risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetes, depression, and physical weakness, with the risk increasing by 72-188%.

One interesting finding was that excessive computer use did not have a particularly negative impact on sleep. Despite the common belief that blue light from screens disrupts sleep, the researchers suggested that our bodies have adapted to technology’s influence, minimizing its adverse effects on sleep.

However, the researchers emphasized that switching careers to avoid sitting for extended hours is not always a feasible solution. Instead, they recommended small changes at work, such as taking regular breaks to stand, walk, or use the stairs, which can help improve sleep. According to the study, taking short breaks every hour can significantly contribute to better sleep quality at night.

Additionally, it’s advised to avoid smartphones and computers for at least two hours before bedtime to prevent sleep disruption. If avoiding screens is difficult, using a blue light filter on devices can help reduce the negative effects on sleep.