Influence of Overtime Work, Sleep Duration, and Perceived Job Characteristics on the Physical and Mental Status of Software Engineers

Abstract

To investigate the impact of overtime work, sleep duration, and perceived job characteristics on physical and mental status, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 377 workers (average age; 28 years old) in an information-technology (IT) company, engaged in consultation, system integration solution, and data management relevant to IT system. The psychophysical outcomes of overtime work were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS), Profile of Mood Status (POMS), major physical symptoms, and overtime work data for the preceding three-months. Sleep duration was directly asked by a physician. A job strain index was defined as the ratio of job-demands to jobcontrol scores evaluated using the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). In a univariate analysis, overtime work was significantly related with HDS scores, POMS anger-hostility scores, and the total physical symptom count in both sexes (all p<0.05), but not in multiple regression models, after controlling for sleep duration and the job strain index. Sleep duration was negatively related to the symptom count in men and to POMS tension-anxiety scores in women (both p<0.05); the job strain index was positively related to POMS anger-hostility scores in both sexes and to HDS scores and POMS tension-anxiety scores in men (all p<0.05). Although overtime work was associated with physical and mental complaints, sleep duration and the job strain index seemed to be better indicators for physical and mental distress in overloaded workers.

The effects of sleep duration on the incidence of cardiovascular events among middle-aged male workers in Japan

“…In addition to traditional risk factors, occupational factors should also be considered. In previous studies, shorter sleep duration has been associated with longer working hours (9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Shift work induces sleep problems (25).…”

“…More importantly, the majority of the relevant previous studies were conducted in populations comprising a broad age range, including young, middle-aged, and elderly people, who may have had different confounding effects on the true relationship. Among elderly individuals, health status, including underlying diseases, strongly influences sleep duration (8), whereas among young and middle-aged individuals, sleep duration depends significantly on occupational factors including working hours (9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Since occupational factors may confound the true association between sleep duration and cardiovascular events among middle-age individuals, occupational factors should be considered in the determination of the relationship between cardiovascular events and sleep duration.…”

Sleep Patterns, Work, and Strain among Young Students in Hospitality and Tourism

“…In the occupational area, disrupted and non-restorative sleep increases the risk of accidents or "headline hitting" disasters, particularly in transport, nuclear power, or chemical industries which have significant public and environmental risks associated with them 1) . Furthermore, individuals who do not sleep well tend to have impaired work productivity and to consume more medical resources 2) . Similarly, employees suffering from insomnia have been shown to have significantly higher rates of absenteeism and to cause increased costs for both employers and the community 3,4).…”

“…Finally, despite the close association between sleep disorders and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression, these factors have not been systematically measured in research into sleep disturbances and working conditions. Scientific research into the relationship between sleep and work has been conducted with representative populations 12) in a variety of occupational areas including white collar workers 2,3,5,9,10,24) , care workers 25) , and workers in heavy industry 17,26) . However, such scientific efforts have generally failed to focus on one of the largest employment sectors providing 24/7 service -that of hospitality and tourism.…”

Work-relatedness of mood disorders in Denmark

“…The following variables have been suggested to be associated with depression: job dissatisfaction (9), long working hours (10)(11)(12)(13), job strain (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20), high job demands (21)(22)(23)(24), low job control (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26), job insecurity (18,22,26), low social support at work (19,21,22,24,26,27), effort-reward imbalance (20,28), workplace bullying (29), conflicting demands (23), and organizational injustice (15). Work should, however, not be regarded only as a negative factor in the development of mood disorders.…”