Long working hours can cause brain damage

Long working hours may harm your health and brain structure, a new study suggests.

The research found “significant changes” in the brains of overworked individuals. Overworking combines physical and emotional strain with insufficient rest.

Working 52 hours or more each week can damage memory and problem-solving skills. It also disrupts emotions, according to the study.

Experts discovered that being overworked alters brain areas linked to thinking, social skills, and mental health. They studied health workers who regularly worked 52 hours or more weekly.

Researchers used data from a long-term worker health study. MRI scans were employed to examine brain structure in participants. The final analysis included 110 workers, mostly clinicians.

Of these, 32 worked excessive hours while 78 maintained standard hours. Those working long hours were younger, less experienced, and more educated than those with standard hours.

Researchers from Yonsei University in South Korea noted significant changes in brain regions related to executive function and emotional regulation among overworked individuals.

The analysis showed a 19% increase in the left caudal middle frontal gyrus volume for the overworked group compared to others. This area is crucial for cognitive functions like attention and working memory.

Other affected areas include those involved in planning, decision-making, emotional processing, self-awareness, and understanding social context.

The team concluded that this study provides early evidence linking overwork to structural brain changes. These changes particularly affect cognition and emotion.

They emphasized the need for further research on the long-term effects of overwork on cognitive and emotional health. Addressing overwork as an occupational health concern is essential.

Ruth Wilkinson from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health stated that global analyses show increasing long working hours contribute significantly to work-related diseases.

She called for urgent action against this epidemic of long working hours. A culture of long hours often includes hidden expectations beyond formal contracts.

This includes always being available due to digital connectivity without a right to disconnect after work hours.

A YouGov survey revealed nearly a quarter of UK workers exceed the legal maximum of 48 work hours per week. Additionally, 44% reported that exceeding contracted hours is part of their workplace culture.

More than half admitted they check work emails outside regular working times. Employers should address these hidden pressures by improving transparency regarding worker treatment.