Long working hours are linked to depression and unhealthy lifestyle changes
In short: A study of 3,830 adult workers found that moving from standard to long work hours is associated with significant health risks. Researchers observed that for women, these extended hours were linked to an increased risk of experiencing depression. For men, the shift was associated with unhealthy weight gain, while both genders showed an increase in smoking.
The research explored how changes in work schedules impact well-being over a two-year period. It specifically looked at behaviors like drinking and exercise, finding that women who worked long hours also reported increased alcohol consumption, whereas no link was found for physical activity.
This study used data from the National Population Health Survey to track adults aged 25 to 54. While it controlled for factors like income and shift work, it remains an observational analysis of associations rather than a proof of direct causation.
Why it matters: Extended work hours can correlate with significant mental health challenges and a decline in healthy lifestyle habits.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Shields (2021). Long working hours and health. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific. · cc-by
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