First grade pirates at Jefferson Elementary learn their "arrr's" with new engagement lab
Struggling to fall asleep at night? Your desk job might be to blame. A decade-long study reveals that sedentary work, irregular schedules, and constant tech use are messing with how we sleep. With 80% of the workforce stuck in mostly sedentary jobs, it's no surprise sleep problems are on the rise. The study tracked 1,300 full-time workers over 10 years, finding that sedentary roles increased insomnia symptoms by 37%. Nontraditional schedules were even worse, boosting the odds of becoming a "catch-up sleeper" -- someone relying on naps and weekend sleep binges -- by 66%. Worse yet, those with insomnia symptoms rarely improved over time. Interestingly, daytime computer use actually helped sleep patterns, possibly by aiding efficiency without disrupting circadian rhythms like late-night screen time. Still, the bigger picture is clear: modern work setups aren't designed with healthy sleep in mind. Experts say it's time for companies to rethink work design, considering sleep as a multifaceted issue. Healthy sleep isn't just about getting enough hours; it's about consistency, falling asleep easily, and staying asleep.