The Precarious Nature of Work: How Young Adults’ Irregular Shift Schedules Impact Sleep, Health, and Depression in Middle Age

A study conducted at New York University suggests that young adults who work irregular shifts may be at a higher risk of developing sleep problems, as well as physical and mental health issues later in life. The research used data from over 7,300 participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979 over a span of more than 30 years.

The study examined how employment patterns starting at age 22 could impact sleep hours and quality, physical and mental functions, and the likelihood of reporting poor health and depressive symptoms at age 50. The results indicated that participants working irregular shifts or night shifts in their 20s tended to sleep less and worse compared to those with a typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.

As the participants reached age 50, those who had worked irregular hours were more likely to report feelings of depression. The study also 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.

The author of the study, Wen-Jui Han, expressed concern that work, which ideally should provide resources for a decent life, 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.