Scientists reveal how constant work turns our lives upside down and impacts our well-being.

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge has revealed significant changes in physical activity and sleep patterns among young individuals as they transition to stable employment. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 participants aged 16 to 30 involved in a long-term household observation in the UK, showed that the level of physical activity initially spikes sharply when young people begin working, but declines steadily in the following years, reports University of Cambridge.

In contrast, the sleep duration of young individuals engaged in extended employment slightly decreases at the onset of their work life and remains relatively stable thereafter. The most noticeable increase in physical activity was observed among individuals in routine jobs such as cleaners, waiters, or hairdressers, as well as in technical positions.

In contrast, those transitioning to managerial or professional roles experienced minimal changes in activity levels. Interestingly, working from home was associated with an immediate drop in physical activity, equivalent to a reduction of about 32 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Gender and education level also played a role: men experienced a more significant increase in activity (approximately 45 minutes per day) compared to women (16 minutes). Similarly, individuals without higher education saw a greater increase in activity than their peers with degrees.

Sleep patterns also shifted as young people began to work consistently. On average, participants lost nearly 10 minutes of sleep per night, and this change remained stable over time. However, differences emerged based on education level: individuals without a degree experienced an annual decrease in sleep duration of about three minutes per night, while those with a degree eventually restored their sleep duration to pre-employment levels.

The study found minimal changes in fruit and vegetable consumption after starting work, highlighting the need for more active workplace initiatives promoting healthy eating. Dr. Eleonore Winpenny, who led the research published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, emphasized the importance of understanding these lifestyle changes. She stated, "Given the impact that work can have on our lives and the long-term effects it can have on our health, it is crucial to try to understand what happens during this transitional period."

Dr. Winpenny also highlighted the potential for creating a workplace environment that encourages healthy behaviors, which could yield both immediate and long-term health benefits for employees, and consequently, for their productivity. Alena Oxenham, a researcher from the MRC Epidemiology Unit, noted that while the initial increase in physical activity is encouraging, some groups, especially remote workers and those in desk jobs, may not experience these benefits. She suggested that those working from home incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, such as walking during lunch breaks or before and after work.

Although young people are generally at their peak physical health, this period often brings about risk factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular complications, diabetes, and cancer. According to health guidelines, young individuals should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, sleep between seven to nine hours per night, and consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that could affect your health. If you experience issues, please consult a specialist.