A new study highlights a troubling link between sedentary jobs and poor sleep health, revealing that modern work environments may be contributing to a rise in insomnia symptoms and disrupted sleep patterns.
Led by Claire Smith, a psychologist at the University of South Florida, the research surveyed over 1,000 employees across a decade and found that sedentary work and nontraditional work schedules significantly threaten sleep health.
Published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, the study provides insights into how work design influences sleep quality and underscores the need for interventions to address these risks.
Key Findings: Sedentary Work and Irregular Schedules
The study identified two main risk factors for poor sleep among workers:
- Sedentary Work: Employees with highly sedentary roles—an estimated 80% of the modern workforce—were 37% more likely to experience insomnia-like symptoms. These symptoms include trouble falling asleep, waking up during the night, and persistent daytime fatigue.
- Nontraditional Work Schedules: Workers with irregular schedules, such as night shifts, faced a 66% greater likelihood of needing “catch-up sleep,” which involves napping or sleeping in on weekends to compensate for poor sleep during the workweek.
The Long-Term Impact of Poor Sleep Patterns
The study categorized workers into three sleep health groups over the 10-year period:
- Good Sleepers: Those with regular, restorative sleep patterns.
- Catch-Up Sleepers: Individuals relying on napping or irregular weekend sleep to compensate for weekday disruptions.
- Insomnia-Like Sleepers: Workers with chronic symptoms of poor sleep quality.
Alarmingly, 90% of those in the insomnia-like sleeper group experienced persistent sleep issues throughout the decade. Smith warns that poor sleep patterns, once established, can become entrenched, leading to long-term impacts on physical health, mental well-being, and workplace productivity.
“This is particularly important for both employers and employees,” Smith said, noting that poor sleep health is closely tied to reduced productivity and overall health.
How Sedentary Work Affects Sleep
One of the most striking findings is the link between sedentary behavior and insomnia symptoms. Sitting for prolonged periods during the workday can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms, reducing physical activity levels that are essential for healthy sleep.
Smith suggests that incorporating movement into the workday, even small changes like standing or walking breaks, can help improve sleep quality.
For employees with nontraditional schedules, the challenges are different but equally significant. Irregular work hours can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, making it harder to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and leading to chronic sleep deprivation.
Rethinking Job Design for Better Sleep
Smith and her team argue that improving sleep health requires a fundamental shift in how jobs are designed. “Healthy sleep involves more than just getting your eight hours,” she explained. “It’s about falling asleep easily, staying asleep, and maintaining a consistent schedule.”
The findings suggest that employers can play a vital role in addressing sleep issues by redesigning jobs to reduce sedentary time, promote physical activity, and minimize after-hours work demands.
For employees with irregular schedules, strategies like offering more predictable shifts and encouraging consistent sleep routines may help.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The study emphasizes the need for workplace interventions that consider sleep health as a dynamic and individualized issue. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work, as different workers face unique challenges based on their job roles and schedules.
Smith’s research highlights a critical opportunity for employers to address sleep health proactively, improving not only employee well-being but also productivity and long-term health outcomes.
For workers, adopting small but meaningful changes—like standing during breaks or limiting work-related activities after hours—could help break the cycle of poor sleep patterns.
By prioritizing sleep health as a key component of workplace wellness, employers and employees alike can take steps to mitigate the long-term risks associated with modern work environments.
If you care about sleep health, please read studies about foods that help people sleep better, and Keto diet could improve cognitive function in people with sleep loss.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the natural supplements for sound sleep, and how your diet can improve sleep quality.
The research findings can be found in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
