People who work remotely and spend many hours a day in front of computer screens tend to go to bed later, which increases the risk of various sleep disorders, according to researchers from the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź, central Poland.
Their study indicates that individuals who work in a hybrid model, combining remote and on-site work, are in the worst situation. This group experiences the most sleep problems and finds it hardest to recover during the night.
Hybrid workers face greater sleep challenges
The researchers studied over 1,000 employees and students from three universities in Łódź, categorizing them into groups based on their work and study modes: remote, hybrid, or on-site.
The study assessed the ergonomics of their workstations, comparing the results with pre-pandemic data.
The study also examined health complaints, physical activity levels, exposure to blue light, and pre-sleep habits, with a particular focus on sleep disorders and musculoskeletal issues, which often result from prolonged sitting.
The results showed that remote and hybrid work led to more frequent sleep disturbances compared to on-site work. Those combining on-site and home office work had more difficulty falling and staying asleep and generally woke up earlier.
Polish research reveals that remote and hybrid work is linked to increased sleep disturbances, vision problems, and musculoskeletal issues, largely due to prolonged screen exposure and poor workstation ergonomics. Image: The Digital Artist/Pixaby.com/CC0
Screen light disrupts melatonin production
According to Polish scientists, one reason for sleep problems is the blue light emitted by electronic device screens.
This keeps the brain in a constant state of alertness, making it difficult to wind down and fall asleep. Additionally, it disrupts the production of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland that affects circadian rhythms.
Consequences of remote work: weakened vision, reduced physical activity
In addition to sleep issues, remote and hybrid work is associated with poor workstation organization, prolonged computer use and decreased physical activity, leading to serious vision and musculoskeletal problems, which worsen employees' overall well-being, the Polish researchers said.
(mp/gs)
Source: PAP/Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź