A recent study published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine has found that individuals who prefer staying up late, also known as "night owls," are more likely to leave the workforce earlier than those who prefer waking up early. The study analyzed data from a population-based study that began in 1966 and included 96% of all births in two provinces in northern Finland.
The study classified individuals into three categories: morning types, intermediate types, and evening types, based on their natural sleep-wake cycle. The participants were asked questions about their sleep patterns, including how easily they woke up in the morning, their level of fatigue, and their preferred work schedule. The results showed that evening types were more likely to receive disability pensions over the next 12 years.
The study found that 5.2% of men and 8.1% of women who participated in the study received their first disability pension due to illness. The researchers discovered that individuals classified as evening types at the age of 46 were 1.7 times more likely to receive a disability pension over the next 12 years compared to morning types. This association was found in both men and women.
According to the researchers, evening types may be more prone to declining health due to unhealthy lifestyle choices and disrupted internal biological clocks, leading to sleep problems. The study's strength lies in its long-term follow-up of a large group of individuals from various economic sectors and occupations. However, as an observational study, it does not establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship.
Previous studies have suggested that evening types tend to have poorer health and face more difficulties at work compared to morning types. However, a clear and conclusive link between preferring to stay up late and receiving a disability pension has not been established. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering an individual's natural sleep-wake cycle in maintaining their health and ability to work.
The researchers used data from a population-based study that began in 1966, which included 96% of all births in two provinces in northern Finland. In 2012, when the participants were 46 years old, they were asked questions to determine their chronotype. The study's results have implications for employers and policymakers seeking to promote healthy work environments and support employees' well-being.
The study's findings suggest that employers and policymakers should consider the needs of evening types in the workforce. By providing flexible work schedules and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, employers may be able to support the well-being and productivity of evening types. Additionally, policymakers can use the study's findings to inform policies and programs aimed at promoting healthy aging and supporting workers with disabilities.
Key points
- People who prefer staying up late are more likely to leave the workforce early due to declining health.
- Evening types are 1.7 times more likely to receive a disability pension compared to morning types.
- The study's findings have implications for employers and policymakers seeking to promote healthy work environments and support employees' well-being.
