The Dark Side of Irregular Work Schedules: A Study on Young Adults’ Health and Wellbeing

A recent study published in the journal PLOS One, led by Wen-Jui Han of New York University, has shed light on the potential negative effects of irregular work schedules on young adults’ health and wellbeing. Using data from over 7,300 participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979, spanning more than 30 years, Han analyzed how employment patterns 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 study found that participants who worked irregular shifts or night shifts in their 20s slept significantly less and experienced worse quality sleep compared to those with a traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. Moreover, as participants reached age 50, those who had worked irregular hours were more likely to report feelings of depression and poor health. Interestingly, black participants were disproportionately affected by these types of work arrangements.

Han expressed concern that the increasing precariousness of work arrangements is making it difficult for individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As such, she urged policymakers to take steps towards ensuring that workers have access to stable schedules that prioritize their health and wellbeing.