Changes in Sleep Quality, Sleep Duration, and Sickness Absence: A Longitudinal Study with Repeated Measures

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Previous studies link sleep issues to sickness absence.
• This study examines changes in sickness absence and sleep over time.
• Investigates work-related factors and gender interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the longitudinal association between changes in sleep patterns and sickness absence.
• To identify sleep-related predictors of sickness absence.
• To explore gender differences in the sleep-sickness absence relationship.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 5377 individuals in a Swedish working population sample.
• Collected data across five biennial measurement points.
• Employed mixed-model logistic regression for analysis.

Main Results:

• Sleep duration on days off (OR=1.16) and sleep problems (OR=1.42) significantly predicted sickness absence.
• These associations persisted after including psychosocial work factors.
• Women had higher sickness absence and a stronger link between long sleep and absence.

Conclusions:

• Changes in sleep problems and longer sleep duration on days off are longitudinally associated with sickness absence.
• Women exhibit a more pronounced relationship between sleep duration and sickness absence.
• Treating sleep problems may be a viable strategy to reduce sickness absence.