Study Links Healthy Sleep Patterns in Midlife to Longer Working Life Expectancy

As statutory retirement ages rise in many OECD countries due to aging populations, researchers are exploring the impact of sleep quality on work longevity. While prior studies have examined the reasons for exiting the workforce, this research specifically investigates the benefits of adequate sleep on working careers.

The study analyzed data from two significant observational studies in Finland: the Finnish Public Sector study (involving 70,339 public-sector employees from 2000 to 2016, with 80% being women) and the Health and Social Support study, which included a random sample of 6,071 working-age adults from 1998 to 2013 (54% women).

Participants reported their usual sleep length, categorized into short (under 7 hours), mid-range (7–8.5 hours), and long (9 or more hours). Sleep disturbances were also evaluated, detailing issues such as difficulty falling asleep, waking too early, and nonrestorative sleep, categorized by frequency. Workforce participation data was sourced from the Earnings and Accrual Register, maintained by the Finnish Centre for Pensions.

Analysis revealed that individuals reporting moderate sleep disturbances could expect to work nearly five months less, while those with severe disturbances might work eight months less, across all job types. No sleep disturbances were linked to a working life expectancy of 13 years and five months, while moderate disturbances correlated with 13 years and severe ones with just 12 years and ten months.

Professional women with no sleep issues had the longest working life expectancy, nearly 14 years, while men in routine jobs with severe disturbances had the shortest, approximately 12.5 years. Both short and mid-range sleep lengths yielded a working life expectancy of 13 years and two months, whereas long sleep was linked to 12 years and five months.

The research also highlighted a notable gap in working life expectancy between those in advantageous positions (professional roles with no sleep issues) and those in disadvantaged roles (routine jobs with sleep disturbances), with the difference being roughly one year and five months in the FPS group and up to five years in the HeSSup group.

Obstacles affecting the study include the inability to account for other variables such as physical and mental health, which may influence the outcomes. Nonetheless, the authors advocate for promoting sleep health, particularly for those with lower socioeconomic status, to enhance workforce participation as people age. They suggest interventions may include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia through occupational health services and workplace educational programs on sleep health.