How Your Early Work Schedule Could Impact Your Long-Term Health, According to Research
Discover how the work hours you put in during your younger years could have lasting effects on your health later in life, as revealed by a recent study.
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The drawbacks of having an unpredictable work schedule are straightforward: You might feel constantly tired or lose out on quality time with family and friends.
New research suggests that there could be more serious long-term effects related to work patterns in young adulthood and how they impact health outcomes in later years.
The traditional view on irregular work hours harming overall health and social life has been supported by various studies. However, this new paper takes a different approach by looking at the relationship from a "life-course" perspective. It examines how work patterns can influence health throughout adulthood, rather than just focusing on one specific time period.
The latest study, released in the journal PLOS ONE on Wednesday, outlined different work schedule categories. A standard work schedule typically starts at 6 a.m. or later and finishes at 6 p.m. On the other hand, an evening work schedule begins at 2 p.m. or later and ends at midnight. Nighttime schedules involve shifts starting at 9 p.m. or later and ending by 8 a.m. Participants were considered to have "variable" schedules if they had split or rotating shifts or irregular hours.
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Dr. Wen-Jui Han, the sole author of a study and a professor at the Silver School of Social Work at New York University, revealed that around three-quarters of the work patterns they observed did not stick to traditional daytime working hours throughout their careers.
Han, who specializes in social welfare policy with a focus on children and families, pointed out the importance of the findings. People with irregular work schedules tend to experience negative effects on their health and well-being. They are more likely to have less sleep, poor sleep quality, decreased physical and mental functions, and a higher chance of reporting health issues and depressive symptoms by age 50 compared to those with stable work schedules.
In addition, Han explored how these effects vary depending on social factors such as race, gender, and education level.
Despite the challenges of today’s work schedules, health experts say there are strategies people can use to mitigate the negative impacts.
Work patterns decades earlier affect health in midlife
Han analyzed data from over 7,300 participants, with roughly half being White, 33% Black, and 19% Hispanic. These individuals were part of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, a study that followed Americans aged 14 to 22 over time.
According to Han's findings, working regular hours followed by unpredictable schedules between ages 22 and 49 was closely tied to poor health. This pattern was also associated with reporting worse health and symptoms of depression at age 50. The negative impact of volatile schedules was even greater than that of extended periods of unemployment.
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The study revealed race- and gender-related trends. For instance, Black Americans are more likely to have schedules that are linked to poorer health. Additionally, women may experience lower-quality sleep despite getting more hours of sleep.
The report does not provide a complete explanation for the disproportionate effects on women and Black individuals. However, the study highlights the intersectionality between employment patterns and social status. This underscores the significant health disparities between those with resources and those without. Those without resources often bear the brunt of the negative consequences of unstable employment patterns.
The study findings may not be shocking, but they are concerning and relevant, according to Dr. Xiaoxi Yao, a health services research professor at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota who was not part of the research.
Yao mentioned in an email that due to technological advancements and the rise of the gig economy, particularly following the pandemic, more people are now working nontraditional hours compared to previous decades.
Yao pointed out that individuals with higher socio-economic status have the privilege of working remotely from any location and at any time. On the other hand, those in vulnerable social positions may not have this flexibility. This study highlights that non-traditional work schedules and hours can potentially expose workers to risks, beyond just concerns about wages and benefits.
The connection between shift work and health is significant.
There are various theories that could help explain the results, but experts emphasize that the study only demonstrates a connection, not a cause.
According to Yao, certain risk factors may make it challenging for someone to secure a steady job and increase the likelihood of developing a disease. It's not definitive to conclude from the current data that work schedules/hours directly led to negative health effects.
Freshly woken up young woman enjoying the morning sun rays.
Freshly woken up young woman enjoying the morning sun rays.
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But at the same time, the findings build on a growing body of evidence.
The research findings align with common knowledge in public health that various factors, including the type of work one does, can impact health outcomes. According to CNN wellness contributor Dr. Leana Wen, who is an emergency physician and adjunct professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, the type of work individuals engage in influences their daily routines, income, and access to resources. Dr. Wen, who was not part of the study, shared this insight via email.
Dr. Azizi Seixas, associate director of the Center for Translational Sleep and Circadian Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, noted that nonstandard work schedules can disrupt important lifestyle habits necessary for good health. These habits include getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and spending time with loved ones. Dr. Seixas, who was also not involved in the study, emphasized the impact of work schedules on overall health.
Furthermore, according to Yao, the uncertainty of finances in certain nontraditional jobs can lead to feelings of anxiety. Additionally, when these jobs require working alone, the absence of a consistent social setting can diminish a person's sense of connection and self-definition.
Dr. Christian Benedict, a sleep expert not connected to the research, mentioned that the results may not be relevant to all individuals.
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Dr. Benedict, an associate professor of pharmacology at Uppsala University in Sweden, pointed out that Dr. Han's study did not consider people's natural sleep-wake patterns. He emphasized the importance of understanding that working late-night shifts may be better for individuals who naturally stay up late, rather than those who prefer waking up early.
Changing schedules or jobs to avoid nonstandard working hours may not be feasible for some. However, there are other strategies that can help offset the potential harm from work, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, practicing relaxation techniques, and spending time with friends and family, according to Yao.
Additionally, having some kind of routine or schedule around that shift can make it easier to incorporate health-promoting activities, especially sleep, Yao added.
To improve your sleep quality, Benedict suggests optimizing your sleeping environment by keeping your room dark and cool, and asking your family to respect your sleep schedule.
Additionally, previous studies have shown that avoiding eating late at night can help offset the negative impacts of shift work on your health. It's important to prioritize regular health checkups and consult with a healthcare professional if you have ongoing health issues.
Restrictive diets can impact your social life, your nutrition and your relationship with food, Rollin said.
Restrictive diets can impact your social life, your nutrition and your relationship with food, Rollin said.
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According to Seixas, it is essential for individuals to ask themselves these questions to proactively address the impact of nonstandard work schedules on their health and well-being.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides valuable insights into the potential long-term health consequences of irregular work schedules in young adulthood. It highlights the significant impact of shift work on various aspects of well-being, including sleep quality, physical and mental functions, and the risk of developing health issues and depressive symptoms. The findings emphasize the need for employers and policymakers to prioritize the health and well-being of workers by promoting stable and predictable work schedules whenever possible.
Additionally, the article underscores the importance of addressing social disparities in work schedules, as certain groups, such as Black Americans and women, face a higher burden of negative health effects. By acknowledging the intersectionality between employment patterns and social status, the study calls for further research and targeted interventions to mitigate these disparities. It is crucial to ensure that everyone has access to fair and equitable working conditions that support their health and overall well-being.
