The Price of Irregular Work Shifts: A Study on the Impact on Young Adults’ Sleep Patterns, Health and Well-being

A recent study conducted at New York University has shed light on the impact of irregular work shifts on young adults’ sleep patterns, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. The research used data from over 7,300 participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979, spanning more than three decades.

The study examined how employment patterns starting at age 22 could affect sleep hours and quality, physical and mental functions, and the likelihood of reporting poor health and depressive symptoms at age 50. The results showed that participants working irregular shifts or night shifts tended to sleep less and worse compared to those with a typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.

As the participants aged, those who had worked irregular hours were more likely to report feelings of depression. Additionally, the study found a correlation between volatile work schedules, such as working evening or night hours, and poor health in middle age. Interestingly, black participants were more likely to have this type of schedule.

Wen-Jui Han, the author of the study, expressed concern that work has become a vulnerability to a healthy life due to the increasingly precarious nature of work arrangements. The study was published online in the journal PLOS One.

Overall, this research highlights the importance of maintaining regular sleep patterns and stable work schedules for young adults’ overall health and well-being in later life.