In an extensive study of Finnish businessmen, those who worked more than 50 hours and slept less than 47 hours per week during their middle ages were physically less fit and less healthy at an older age, compared to their peers who had normal work hours and sleep habits.
The researchers concluded this from the health data of 3,000 white men, born between 1919 and 1934. About 1,500 of them have, in 1974, when they were mid or late 40, filled in data about their health and lifestyle. They did so again in 2000, when most were aged between 60 and 70 years.
Hard Workers of Today
Some participants smoked and had been in poor health in their middle age. That may explain a small part of the results at a later age, but not all of it, say the researchers. Even though the people surveyed were from an earlier period of time, the outcome also says something about the hard workers of today, says one of the researchers Birgitta von MikaelaBonsdorff, reported Reuters.
Her explanation: the official working days may not be as long as before, but now people are also workingoutside work hours, for example because they read emails and reply to them. Von Bonsdorff: “I think this is true for several professions, and especially for people who work in the office, businessmen, entrepreneurs and managers”.
Taking More Rest
Too little sleep aggravates stress and tension; and sleep problems may be related to unhealthy lifestyles choices. The results of the study show, in any case, the importance of good night’s rest when you have long working weeks. In addition, employers should encourage healthy lifestyles say the researchers.
Source: https://www.rtlnieuws.nl
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