Are Careers Stealing Health? Study Reveals the Truth
Starting a professional career can significantly impact young adults’ health, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Cambridge. Researchers found that both physical activity and sleep, crucial for overall well-being, tend to decline once young adults enter the workforce.
Physical Activity: A Steep Decline Over Time
When young adults begin working, their daily physical activity initially increases. On average, participants engaged in an additional 28 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as cycling, during their early workdays. However, this gain gradually diminished, dropping by approximately seven minutes each year after they started working.
The study highlighted variations based on job types. Young adults in semi-routine and routine occupations, such as hairdressing, cleaning, or technical jobs, experienced higher physical activity levels compared to those in managerial or professional roles, where activity levels dropped significantly.
Working from Home: A Key Contributor
The decline in physical activity was most pronounced among individuals working from home. Although their sleep duration remained relatively stable, their lack of movement became a concern. Experts emphasized the importance of integrating physical activity into the daily routine for this group, suggesting simple changes like walking before or after work or taking short activity breaks during the day.
Gender Differences in Activity Levels
Interestingly, the study revealed a gender disparity in physical activity. Males saw an average increase of 45 minutes of moderate activity per day when starting work, compared to just 16 minutes for females. Over time, however, both groups experienced similar declines in activity levels.
Sleep Patterns: A Subtle Drop
The research also uncovered that sleep duration among young professionals decreased by about 10 minutes per night upon entering the workforce. While the decline may appear minimal, consistent sleep reduction can compound over time, potentially affecting health and productivity.
Healthier Habits for a Healthier Workforce
Alena Oxenham from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, who led the study, urged young professionals and workplaces to prioritize health. She advised integrating physical activity into daily routines, especially for those working remotely. Additionally, she encouraged workplaces to adopt interventions like promoting healthier diets, physical activity, and adequate sleep to improve employee well-being and reduce absenteeism.
Conclusion
As young adults transition into their professional lives, maintaining physical activity and sleep is crucial for long-term health. Simple adjustments, such as incorporating daily movement and prioritizing rest, can help combat the challenges of modern work environments and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
