An Investigation of the Role of Non–Work-Time Behavior in Buffering the Effects of Work Strain

Abstract

Active and fulfilling non-work-time behaviors are more significant in maximizing recovery from work strain than is commonly recognized. This effect is arguably due to the downregulation of stress-induced brain arousal, and stimulation of the pleasure-reward brain neurophysiology. Consistent recovery from work strain between work periods may represent a crucial factor in avoiding work-related "loss spirals" leading to maladaptive health outcomes, which can be particularly relevant to workers in inherently stressful occupations.

Internet-based instructor-led mindfulness for work-related rumination, fatigue, and sleep: Assessing facets of mindfulness as mechanisms of change. A randomized waitlist control trial.

“…Having sufficient time between work shifts for sleeping does not necessarily mean that adequate restorative sleep will occur (Winwood et al, 2007) and the reality for many workers with stressful occupations is that sleep quality is frequently below that which is required, due to the persistence of stress-response brain arousal in non-work time (Akerstedt et al, 2002;Linton, 2004;Strine, & Chapman, 2005). While there are several cross-sectional 11 studies (Akerstedt et al, 2002;Geiger-Brown, Trinkoff, & Rogers, 2011), and a few longitudinal studies (Burgard & Ailshire, 2009;de Lange, Kompier, Taris, Geurts, Beckers, Houtman, et al, 2009) demonstrating an association between work-related stress and sleep, the mechanism/s by which occupational stress influences sleep remain uncertain.…”

Exploring the relationship between work-related rumination, sleep quality, and work-related fatigue.

“…Individuals who chose to participate were encouraged to circulate the link to family and friends who were over 18 years of age and working. In this way, it was hoped to increase participation by a "snowballing" effect (Winwood et al, 2007).…”

“…The term fatigue is used in many different areas and currently there is no single definition; however, the literature distinguishes between acute and chronic fatigue (Dawson et al, 2011). Acute fatigue is short-lived and signals that the individual needs recovery (e.g., the fatigue an individual experiences at the end of their working day); in contrast, chronic fatigue is persistent and develops as a result of consistent exposure to stress without adequate recovery (Winwood et al, 2007). Research suggests that between 11% and 30% of workers in Europe are affected by work-related fatigue (Akerstedt et al, 2002;Houtman, 1997;Loge, Ekeberg, & Kaasa, 1998;Bultmann, Kant, van Amelsvoort, van den Brandt, & Kasl, 2001); in the USA abnormal fatigue levels have been identified among 14.3% of men and 20.4% of women (Chen, 1986); and in Canada similar levels have also been reported (Winwood et al, 2007).…”

“…Physiological 'toughness' is associated with low sympathetic nervous system arousal base rates, and responsiveness to stress such that sympathetic arousal is strong only when required (Winwood et al, 2007). However, prolonged or repeated stress exposure with sustained arousal appears to result in damaging health effects (Brosschot, Gerin, & Thayer, 2006); with persistent failure to unwind after work purported to damage an individual's health because it wears down the body's resilience systems (McEwen, 1998).…”

“…Importantly, people appear able to cope with the demands of work as long as a consistent level of recovery between periods of work activity can be achieved (de Croon, Sluiter, de Croon, Meijman, & Frings-Dresen, 2003); with intermittent stress followed by complete recovery thought to build physiological 'toughness' (Winwood, Bakker, & Winefield, 2007). Physiological 'toughness' is associated with low sympathetic nervous system arousal base rates, and responsiveness to stress such that sympathetic arousal is strong only when required (Winwood et al, 2007).…”