How being 'on‑call' for work can disrupt your sleep—even if the call never comes

The article discusses the impact of being on-call for work on sleep, even when no actual call comes in. It explains that the concept of being on-call, where one is available to work at short notice outside regular hours, can disrupt sleep patterns. This is because the standby mode requires constant readiness and availability, which can make it difficult to fully switch off from work mode.

The article cites research showing that simply knowing one might be called in can disrupt sleep, even if the call never arrives. This anticipation effect is not limited to on-call workers and can also contribute to feelings of anxiety before the workweek starts, known as the "Sunday scaries." Poor sleep, in turn, can lead to a range of issues, including decreased concentration, reaction time, mood, and decision-making, and over time, it can increase the risk of accidents, mental health difficulties, weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.

The article also highlights that on-call work is common in various industries, including emergency services, healthcare, utilities, retail, food service, and gig-platform jobs. It notes that while on-call work doesn't always mean responding to emergencies, it often requires quick transitions from personal to work mode, potentially leading to sleep disturbances.

The solution, according to the article, lies in how organizations design on-call work schedules. Ideally, employers should provide sufficient flexibility to allow workers to rest and recover after busy on-call nights. Scheduling adequate recovery time and ensuring protected off-call periods may help mitigate the negative effects on sleep and overall health.