Did you know Research Alerts: Your Office Chair Might Be Causing Serious Sleep Issues

 

According to a study which was done over the course of ten years, your office chair might be the reason why you are struggling to fall asleep at night. In our modern work life, we have to spend hours on our chairs using technology while working and it can alter our sleep as well. There is no doubt that technology has made our lives easier and flexible but it is also making our life worse in some ways. There are about 80% of the jobs in the world where you are required to sit down while working which means that a huge number of people are exposed to sleep problems.

The study was published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology and was done by researchers from different institutions. The researchers tracker 1,300 full time workers for about ten years to know the relationship between poor sleep patterns and modern jobs. The study focused on six different aspects which show healthy sleeping habits. Those aspects included how long does it take for one to fall asleep, how often does one nap, how regularly people sleep, if they are experiencing any symptoms of insomnia, how tired one feels during the day and the total sleep duration.

One of the researchers said that healthy sleep doesn't just mean falling asleep for eight hours, it also means having a consistent sleep schedule and getting a good night's sleep (including restorative deep sleep and sufficient REM cycles). Companies should know the risks associated with poor sleep and should take measures for it. The study found that there are three types of sleep patterns among workers who were surveyed. 57% of the workers were good sleepers and had healthy sleeping habits. A quarter of workers were categorized as “catch-up sleeper” who take frequent naps and catch up on their sleep on weekends. The remaining 18% of the workers were identified as “insomnia sleepers” who experienced sleep problems like trouble feeling asleep or feeling tired the rest of their days.

The study also found that there were consistent sleeping habits among all the workers with 60% to 90% of them maintaining the same pattern of sleep during the ten years of study. The insomnia sleepers were most consistent in showing insomnia like symptoms and couldn't get better throughout the ten years. Workers who had more jobs where they were required to sit throughout the whole day showed 37% increase in symptoms of insomnia while people working in non-traditional jobs were 66% more likely to become catch-up sleepers. This suggests the relationship between people's jobs and their sleeping habits.

The researchers also found an interesting thing that increased computer use during work helps workers sleep better. This is because using a computer during the day doesn't affect circadian rhythm and can help workers complete their tasks more quickly and efficiently.

If you're having trouble sleeping, it's not just about your office chair or how much you sit. Your body needs the right nutrients to sleep well. Vitamins like D3, magnesium glycinate, B12, and iron are important for helping your body relax and sleep better. Without these, you might feel restless or have trouble falling asleep. It's not just about working harder — it’s about taking care of your health, eating right, and getting the right balance to sleep well. Good sleep starts with good habits, both at work and in your daily life.