Science Says Working Wacky Hours Could Be Bad For Your Brain
A new survey says working outside 9-5 could be bad for your health [Photo: Giphy]
Not everyone works 9 to 5 y’know!
But though there are many benefits to being freelance and setting your own work hours or working shifts (no huge lunch time queues in Pret for one), a new study from Sweden has found that working outside ‘typical’ work hours can cause damage to your brain.
According to Men’s Health, the research revealed that those who work extremely early or late hours show more sign of cognitive impairment than those who work a 9 to 5.
Researchers found that people who work outside traditional hours, and those who had done so within the last 5 years, took more time to complete a test that measured brain function and ageing than people who never worked shift work or who did so more than 5 years ago.
Working super early or late can have a negative effect on brain function [kaboompics.com via Pexels]
The problem is that late night or early morning working disrupts your brain’s frontal lobe, the bit responsible for things like motor control, memory, language, judgment, and problem-solving.
And don’t even mention the messing working super late or super early does to your sleep pattern. Having trouble nodding off? Struggling to stay asleep? Thought so.
But when your zzz are not long enough or deep enough to get your body and brain in tip top condition again, this can put you at risk of longer term learning and memory impairments. Oh joy!
Working shifts can affect the quality of your shut eye [Photo: Rex Features]
But no need to resign shift workers because joining the 9-5 ranks once again can help reverse any potential brain damage. The research suggests that 5 years after stopping working funky hours, your performance on the brain test will be just as good as someone who never worked weird hours in the first place. Result!
And if there’s no chance of ditching the night job any time soon, researchers claim there are things you can do to try and minimise any negative effects, starting with your shut-eye. They suggest sleeping for at least 7 hours every day and sticking to a regular sleep routine, even on your day off!
So next time your boss chucks a work report on your desk at 4.59 and sets you up for an all nighter, just say no. Your health depends on it.
What working hours do you work? Let us know @YahooStyleUK
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