A staggering 80% of the modern workforce is employed in sedentary roles, leading to a greater risk of insomnia symptoms, according to a new study led by University of South Florida psychologist Claire Smith. Published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, the findings shed light on how job design can threaten employees’ sleep health and overall well-being.

Identifying Worker Sleep Patterns

The study analyzed data from more than 1,000 workers over a 10-year period and identified three distinct sleep health phenotypes:

• Good Sleepers: These individuals maintain consistent, restorative sleep patterns.
• Catch-Up Sleepers: Representing workers who rely on frequent napping or sleeping in on weekends to compensate for poor weekday sleep.
• Insomnia Sleepers: Characterized by chronic sleep issues, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and frequent daytime fatigue.

Workers in sedentary roles were 37% more likely to fall into the insomnia sleeper category, characterized by disrupted sleep and persistent daytime tiredness. Meanwhile, employees with nontraditional schedules, such as night shifts, were 66% more likely to rely on catch-up sleep, signaling a persistent struggle with maintaining consistent sleep patterns.

One of the study’s most alarming findings is the chronic nature of poor sleep health. Among workers identified as insomnia sleepers, 90% remained in this category over the decade, showing how difficult it can be to break out of unhealthy sleep patterns. However, transitions did occur, with catch-up sleepers being the most likely to improve their sleep health.

What Role Does Job Design Play?

Job design — including factors like sedentary behavior, computer use, and work schedules — plays a significant role in shaping sleep health.

• Sedentary Time: Workers who spent more time sitting were more likely to either remain in or transition to the insomnia sleeper category. 
• Computer Use: Surprisingly, increased computer use at work was associated with better sleep patterns, particularly among good sleepers. Researchers speculate this may be due to the timing of screen exposure (e.g., daytime use rather than late-night use).
• Irregular Schedules: Nonstandard work hours disrupted sleep patterns, often leading to poorer sleep health. 

“The way we are designing work poses serious, long-term threats to healthy sleep,” said Smith in a press release. “Healthy sleep involves more than just getting your eight hours. It’s also falling asleep easily, sleeping through the night, and having a consistent sleep schedule. Companies should be aware of the specific sleep risks of their workforce to improve detection and intervention.”

Why Sleep Health Matters for Employers

Poor sleep doesn’t just impact individual well-being, it can hinder organizational success. Employees struggling with sleep are less likely to perform at their best, leading to increased challenges in the workplace. Claire Smith, the study’s lead author highlights this, saying, “This is particularly important for both employers and employees, since research shows that poor sleep health is known to impact productivity, well-being and overall health.”
“The way we are designing work poses serious, long-term threats to healthy sleep,” Smith said. “Healthy sleep involves more than just getting your eight hours. It’s also falling asleep easily, sleeping through the night and having a consistent sleep schedule. Companies should be aware of the specific sleep risks of their workforce to improve detection and intervention.”

Ready to elevate your workforce’s health? Partner with NMS Health for your occupational health screenings and vaccinations. With NMS Health, you are not just identifying and preventing future illness; you’re investing in a safer, healthier future for your team. Get started today!