Long Working Hours May Alter Brain Structure, New Study Reveals

Seoul:A groundbreaking new study has revealed that consistently working long hours can lead to **structural changes in the brain**, particularly in areas responsible for **emotional regulation, decision-making**, and **working memory**. The research focused on medical staff in South Korea who regularly work **52 hours or more per week**.

According to the **International Labour Organization (ILO)**, over **800,000 people die each year** due to overwork. While the adverse health effects of long working hours — such as **heart disease, metabolic disorders**, and **mental health issues** — are already well documented, this study adds a new layer by exploring the potential impact on **brain morphology**.

### Key Findings of the Study

* **Structural Brain Changes:**
Brain scans showed **significant changes in 17 regions**, including the **middle frontal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus**, and **insula**. The **left caudal middle frontal gyrus**, which is associated with planning, decision-making, and focus, exhibited a **19% volume increase** in those working extended hours.

* **Impact on Emotional and Cognitive Functioning:**
The **insula**, a brain region essential for **emotional awareness, self-reflection**, and **social processing**, was among the areas with noticeable volume changes. Researchers suggest these may be **adaptive or stress-induced responses** to sustained occupational pressure.

* **Unclear Mechanisms:**
While the exact biological mechanism behind these changes remains unclear, scientists caution that these results, although preliminary, are alarming and merit further exploration.

### Expert Warnings and Recommendations

Experts involved in the study stressed the importance of **rethinking workplace policies**, stating:

> “These findings highlight the need to consider long working hours not just a labor issue, but a serious health risk.”

They further recommended that employers and governments **introduce regulations** to prevent unnecessarily long work schedules and ensure healthier, more sustainable working conditions.

The study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and organizations worldwide, emphasizing the **urgent need to balance productivity with employee well-being**, particularly in high-pressure professions like healthcare.