New research suggests that long hours can induce changes in brain areas responsible for emotional control and executive functions.
A study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine indicates that extended work hours can modify brain structures, particularly those linked to emotional regulation and executive functions such as working memory and problem-solving.
It’s well-established that prolonged work hours increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and mental health issues.
The research team highlighted that the International Labor Organization estimates over 800,000 deaths annually due to overwork.
While the behavioral and psychological consequences of overwork are well-documented, the neurological mechanisms and anatomical changes remain largely unexplored, according to the researchers.
To investigate this phenomenon, the team conducted a study analyzing the effects of overwork on specific brain regions in healthcare workers who clock more than 52 hours per week.
The researchers examined MRI scan data from 32 clinicians working excessive hours and 78 clinicians working standard hours, utilizing the Gachon Regional Occupational Cohort Study (GROCS) data. They evaluated brain volume differences using neuroimaging techniques that identify gray matter variations and atlas-based analysis to classify brain scan structures.
The findings revealed significant changes in brain regions related to executive function and emotional regulation among those working 52 hours weekly. Notably, they observed increased volume in the middle frontal gyrus, which is involved in attention, working memory, and language processing, and the superior frontal gyrus, which plays a role in planning and decision-making. Other regions also showed substantial increases.
Because the study was small and there was no long-term data, the researchers said it was difficult to determine whether these brain changes were due to overwork or something else.
However, the researchers stressed that they provided a biological foundation for comprehending the connection between excessive work and brain health and concluded that overwork policies that raise the risk of occupational health issues are necessary.
Most Commented