Study Finds Disrupted Sleep Can Reduce Working Life by Nine Months for Those Over 50

Participants with moderate sleep disturbances may expect to work nearly five months less, while those with severe sleep disturbances face a reduction of eight months, regardless of gender or job type. The study analyzed data from the Finnish Public Sector (FPS) study and the Health and Social Support (HeSSup) study, focusing on sleeping habits after the age of 50.

Sleep length was categorized as short (under seven hours), mid-range (between seven and 8.5 hours), or long (nine hours or more). Sleep disturbances encompassed difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, waking too early, and experiencing non-restorative sleep within the four weeks prior to the survey. The findings revealed that short and mid-range sleep lengths were linked to a working life expectancy of approximately 13 years and two months post-50, whereas long sleep was associated with a shorter expectancy of 12 years and five months.

The longest working life expectancy—close to 14 years—was recorded among professional women with no sleep issues. In contrast, men in routine occupations with severe sleep disturbances had the shortest expectancy, at roughly 12 and a half years.

Dr. Saana Myllyntausta, the lead investigator, expressed surprise over the lack of significant differences between short and mid-range sleep durations, both of which are considered optimal. Previous research has linked short sleep duration to earlier retirement. Conversely, long sleep duration correlated with a shorter working life expectancy and poorer health outcomes, potentially explaining the decline in working years.

Myllyntausta emphasized the necessity of improving sleep health, particularly for those in lower socioeconomic statuses during middle age. She advocated for workplace interventions, like insomnia treatments from occupational health services, as effective methods to enhance sleep among working adults.

The study concluded that promoting sleep health and addressing sleep disturbances, especially for those with lower socioeconomic status, is vital for increasing workforce participation as individuals age. The researchers also noted limitations in their study, including the inability to consider other factors such as physical and mental health and working conditions like shift work.