A new study shows that working long hours can lead to huge health problems later on in life. Working overtime for prolonged periods can increase the risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, especially in women.
Researchers from Ohio State University looked at statistics from 7,500 people over a span of 32 years. Statistics with regard to working habits and medical histories came from the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth.
The research showed that women who worked more than 40 hours a week for more than 30 years have an increased risk of going early to the grave. However, men are not as affected as much when it comes to working long hours.
Previous research has suggested that women are more likely to have health problems later on in life due to more family responsibilities, pressure and stress. Work may also be less satisfying in women due to the need to balance the demands of work and family life. "People don't think that much about how their early work experience affects them down the road," according to Professor Allard Dembe, lead author of the study from Ohio State University.
Men who worked 41-50 hours a week actually had a lower risk of depression, heat, and lung disease compared to men who worked for fewer than 40 hours. Men, however, did see an increased number of arthritis cases the more hours they worked in a week.
Previous studies have shown that working overtime can lead to sleep, stress and digestive problems. About 72 percent of people who participated in the study admitted to spending more than 40 hours at work, according to Daily Mail.
About 56 percent worked an average of 41 to 50 hours a week while 13 percent worked an average of 51 to 60 hours per week. Around 3 percent of the respondents average more than 60 hours of work in a week. Heart surgeons work some of the longest hours averaging at 61.5 hours, the longest of any medical professional, according to Telegraph.
Professor Dembe explains that it is in the interest of the employers to ensure the health of their workers. He also suggests allowing more flexible schedules, in-work health screenings and support along with health coaching while at work to reduce health risks.
