Effect of Workstation Type on the Relationship Between Fatigue, Physical Activity, Stress, and Sleep

Abstract

Objective: This study examined office workstation types’ impact on the relationship between fatigue and three health metrics: physical activity, stress, and sleep quality. Methods: Data from 225 office workers were collected for perceived fatigue, perceived sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), physiological stress response (standard deviation of heart rate variability [HRV]), and physical activity (total activity in minutes) during three consecutive workdays. Stress and physical activity were measured using chest-worn sensors. Workers were then categorized as tired or not-tired based on the median of the fatigue rating. Results: Among tired workers, open-bench seating workers had increased physical activity, improved sleep quality, and reduced stress compared with workers in private offices and cubicles. Conclusions: Office workstation types influence physical activity and levels of stress during work hours, which in turn affect sleep quality.

One SMS a day keeps the stress away? A just‐in‐time planning intervention to reduce occupational stress among apprentices

“…Future studies should combine the JITPI with mobile and sensing technologies to measure stress in real life situations (Can et al, 2019 ). This could allow JITPIs to be used in a timely manner based on objective data (e.g., heart rate variability, Goel et al, 2021 ).…”