Sleep Compensation on Work-Free days Is Associated with Better Sleep Quality

Sleep of sufficient duration and quality is crucial for physical and mental health and performance. In modern urban society, work-related factors such as perceived workload and limited sleep duration on workdays appear to have a significant impact on sleep and well-being. Our current study examines both subjective and objective measures of sleep on workdays and work-free, as well as their associations.

The study combines questionnaires and longitudinal wearable (Fitbit Inspire 2) sleep data from young, healthy adults (aged 18-48 years) in a German metropolitan region (n = 67). Associations were investigated by Spearman correlation analyses with a 95% confidence interval.

Perceived workload was associated with symptoms of depression/anxiety, daytime dysfunction, as well as subjective sleep quality, in particular on workdays. Sleep and sleep stages were objectively longer and later on work-free days than on work-days. Likewise, objective sleep efficiency and subjective sleep quality were higher on work-free days. Longer sleep duration, thus sleep compensation, on work-free days was associated with subjectively more restful and better sleep, and objectively with later phase and a higher proportion of REM sleep.

These data suggest that work-related sleep loss should be avoided whenever possible or at least compensated for on work-free days in order to achieve not only sufficient sleep duration but also good sleep quality, which is pivotal for mental health and performance.