New research from South Korea suggests that working excessively long hours can lead to structural changes in parts of the brain responsible for memory and problem solving. The study highlights the serious cognitive and emotional consequences of overwork, reinforcing the importance of tackling this issue as a critical occupational health concern. It calls for workplace policies aimed at reducing excessive working hours to protect employees’ brain health.
Published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, a British Medical Journal journal, the study provides novel insights into the neurological impact of overwork. While the behavioral and psychological effects of long working hours are already fairly well documented, this research focuses on the anatomical and neurological changes occurring in the brains of those who routinely work more than 52 hours a week.
The team of researchers from Yonsei University, Chung-Ang University, and Pusan National University conducted structural brain volume analyses on healthcare workers, a group known for extended working hours. Their findings revealed significant alterations in brain regions associated with executive functions, emotional regulation, working memory, and problem solving among those exceeding 52 hours weekly, compared to peers who worked standard hours.
These neuroadaptive changes may provide a biological explanation for the cognitive difficulties and emotional challenges frequently reported by individuals subjected to overwork. The study suggests that prolonged exposure to long working hours can impair critical brain functions, impacting both mental and emotional well-being.
Overwork has long been recognized as a major health risk factor, contributing to cardiovascular diseases and mental health problems. The International Labour Organization estimates that approximately 800,000 deaths worldwide each year are linked to excessive work hours. This study advances understanding by uncovering potential underlying brain mechanisms that contribute to such health outcomes.
The researchers emphasize the urgency of addressing overwork not just as a social or economic issue but as a serious health hazard with tangible effects on brain structure. Their findings underscore the need for employers and policymakers to implement measures that limit excessive working hours and support workers’ cognitive and emotional health.
By revealing the biological impact of overwork, this study adds a critical dimension to the ongoing global conversation about work-life balance, occupational safety, and mental health in increasingly demanding work environments.
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