Longer sleeps linked to shorter careers, Finnish study finds
The research found that severe sleep difficulties were linked to almost eight fewer months of working life.
A Finnish study has found a correlation between longer sleep habits and a shorter working life for individuals aged 50 and over, with the average expected working lifespan being 13 years and two months at the age of 50. Moderate sleep difficulties were associated with a loss of around five months of employment, while severe difficulties resulted in nearly eight months fewer.
The study's lead researcher, Saana Myllyntausta, emphasized the significance of addressing sleep health and treating sleep problems in middle-aged individuals, especially those in lower socioeconomic groups. The research also explored sleep duration, revealing that municipal employees who slept for nine hours or more each night experienced a nine-month reduction in working life expectancy compared to those who slept less than nine hours per night.
In a broader sample representing the Finnish population, the discrepancy between the two groups was as extensive as two and a half years. Contrary to international recommendations suggesting that adults under 65 should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night, the study found that those who slept for extended periods or experienced sleep difficulties did not directly result in a shorter working life.
However, the researchers cautioned that the findings did not establish a direct causal relationship between sleep duration and working life expectancy, as other factors such as illnesses and mental health could have influenced the relationship. Previous studies have, however, linked good sleep health to benefits such as improved work performance, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Written by urgent.news from Yle News Finland's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
