A recent study by Happy Beds has revealed that work-related stress is a significant contributor to sleep disruption among men, with 1 in 6 (17%) reporting that work-specific thoughts keep them awake at night.
This figure is slightly higher than the 15 percent of women who experience similar work-related sleep disturbances.
The study suggests that societal pressures might play a role in this disparity. While previous research has highlighted the greater burden on women to care for the family, this survey hints that some men may feel increased pressure to work as the primary providers for their households. This stress is especially pronounced in high-pressure industries like transportation, policing, and manual labour, where the rates of depression and anxiety are notably higher than in the general population.
Other research has shown that men are more likely than women to develop depression linked to workplace stress.
Millennials Hit Hardest by Work-Related Sleep Stress
The impact of work stress on sleep is particularly severe among millennials. The study found that 26 percent of men and women aged 35-44 and 22 percent of those aged 25-34 report that work concerns disrupt their sleep. The blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, especially with the rise of remote work, has made it increasingly difficult for this generation to disconnect from professional pressures. This inability to unwind is leading to more restless nights and could have long-term consequences for their overall well-being.
Expert Tips for Better Sleep
Given these findings, experts recommend several strategies to help men—and anyone else struggling with work-related stress—improve their sleep:
- Establish a Bedtime Routine: Creating and sticking to a consistent bedtime routine can signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Writing in a journal before bed might help identify and modify any factors disrupting your sleep.
- Avoid the Snooze Button: While it may be tempting, pressing snooze can disrupt your sleep cycle and trigger your “fight or flight” response, making you feel more stressed and anxious upon waking. Setting just one alarm can help prevent this.
- Limit Caffeine Intake After 3 PM: Caffeine can interfere with your sleep for up to six hours before bedtime. By avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, you reduce the likelihood of night-time awakenings.
- Practice Sleep Affirmations: Repeating positive statements, such as “I am going to have a good sleep tonight,” can help reframe your mindset and reduce anxiety before bed.
- Maintain a Consistent Bedtime: Consistency is key to good sleep. Sticking to the same bedtime, even on weekends, can help regulate your body’s sleep patterns and improve sleep quality.
As work-related stress continues to impact sleep, especially among men and millennials, adopting these strategies could be crucial in helping individuals achieve better rest and improve their overall mental health.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
