Non-Traditional Work Hours in Youth Linked to Poorer Health at 50

A comprehensive study reveals the long-term health impacts of volatile work schedules, emphasizing the need for policy changes to address health disparities.

Volatile work schedules in young adulthood, involving non-traditional hours, are linked to poorer sleep, physical and mental health by age 50.
The study, analyzing over 7,000 individuals for more than three decades, reveals significant health impacts similar to those of having a high school-level education.
Black Americans and individuals with vulnerable social positions are disproportionately affected by the adverse health consequences of volatile work schedules.
Previous research has indicated that shift work can lead to impaired memory, cognition, and increased risk of conditions like cancer and irregular heartbeat.
The findings emphasize the need for reconsidering work schedules to protect long-term health and address health inequities.