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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
08:36
Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
Disturbed sleep and fatigue in occupational burnout
Mirjam Ekstedt1, Marie Söderström, Torbjörn Akerstedt
1National Institute of Psychosocial Factors and Health, Box 230, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden. mirjam.ekstedt@ipm.ki.se
Summary
Occupational burnout significantly disrupts sleep, leading to increased arousals, fragmentation, and reduced sleep efficiency. This impaired sleep may contribute to the persistent fatigue and exhaustion experienced by burnout patients.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Occupational Health Psychology
Background:
- Occupational burnout is a growing concern in modern workplaces.
- Understanding the physiological impact of burnout, particularly on sleep, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep patterns using polysomnography and self-ratings in individuals with severe occupational burnout.
- To examine the diurnal patterns of sleepiness and fatigue in burnout.
Main Methods:
- Included 12 white-collar workers with burnout and 12 healthy controls.
- Conducted 1-night home polysomnography and daily sleepiness/fatigue ratings.
- Analyzed data using repeated-measures ANOVA, considering precipitating factors.
Main Results:
- Burnout group exhibited fragmented sleep, reduced sleep efficiency, less deep sleep (slow wave sleep), and less REM sleep.
- Burnout patients reported significant sleepiness and mental fatigue throughout the day, persisting into weekends.
- Occupational stress was identified as the primary precipitating factor.
Conclusions:
- Severe occupational burnout is associated with objectively impaired sleep quality.
- Sleep disturbances may play a significant role in the development of burnout-related fatigue and exhaustion.
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