Working long hours has always been a part of modern-day living. Unfortunately, the increase in the number of hours spent working has been linked to various health complications including stroke and infarction.

This is alarming since a lot of people tend to overwork themselves just to cater to their daily needs. In this article, we’ll discuss how long working hours affect our health and what possible strategies we can do to minimize the risks.

What is stroke and infarction?

Stroke and infarction are considered life-threatening events that occur when there is a disruption of blood supply to the brain. Infarction, on the other hand, is a situation where there is a blockage in the blood supply to a certain part of the body.

Stroke can cause physical impairment such as difficulty in speech, paralysis or loss of mobility, and memory problems. Infarction, however, can result in necrosis or death of cells in the affected part of the body.

What are long working hours?

Long working hours can be defined as the amount of time spent working in excess of a standard work schedule. The most commonly used standard work schedules are 8 hours per day for 5 days a week, or a total of 40 hours per week.

Long working hours can go beyond the standard work schedule, and it can include working overtime, double shifts, or being on-call during your rest days.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), around 600 million workers or approximately 20% of the global workforce work at least 48 hours per week.

How long working hours affect our health?

The impact of long working hours on our health depends on several factors, such as age, gender, occupation, lifestyle, and medical history.

However, studies have shown that people who work long hours are at a higher risk of developing stroke and infarction. Here are some of the ways long working hours affect our health:.

Increases stress levels

Working long hours can cause stress, and it may increase cortisol levels in our body. Cortisol is the hormone that controls our body’s response to stress.

High levels of cortisol can lead to various health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and stroke.

Disrupts sleep pattern

Working long hours can also disrupt our sleep pattern. Lack of sleep can cause fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. Moreover, the lack of sleep can lead to a higher risk of developing various illnesses, including stroke and infarction.

Leads to unhealthy lifestyle habits

A lot of people tend to adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits when working long hours. For instance, working long hours can lead to a lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, and tobacco or alcohol use.

All of these can contribute significantly to the development of stroke and infarction.

Increases exposure to air pollution

People who have to commute long distances to work may be exposed to air pollution. Air pollution is a major risk factor for stroke and infarction.

Increases exposure to blue light

People who work long hours often use electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. These devices emit blue light, which can disrupt our circadian rhythm.

Disruptions in circadian rhythm can increase our risk of developing stroke and infarction.

What possible strategies can we do to minimize the risks?

Minimizing the risk of developing stroke and infarction requires a combination of lifestyle changes and healthy habits. Here are some of the possible strategies we can do to minimize the risks:.

Adopt healthy lifestyle habits

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can greatly improve our overall health. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, and getting enough sleep.

Take breaks during work

Taking breaks during work can help reduce stress levels and improve our productivity. Short breaks every hour can give our brains the time it needs to relax and rejuvenate.

Use protective measures

Using protective measures can help reduce our exposure to pollutants, blue light, and other health hazards. For instance, using air purifiers, masks while commuting, and blue light filters on our electronic devices can help reduce the risks.

Practicing good time management

Practicing good time management can help us put a limit on the number of hours spent working. Having a clear understanding of our priorities can help us manage our time effectively.

Conclusion

Working long hours has always been a part of modern-day living, but it can also lead to various health complications such as stroke and infarction. Minimizing the risks requires a combination of lifestyle changes and healthy habits.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, taking breaks during work, using protective measures, and practicing good time management can significantly reduce the risks. It’s essential to prioritize our health and well-being and make sure that we’re not compromising it for the sake of work.