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People who work from home sleep more, a new study shows

Online Niel November 13, 2024

A recent report of the National Statistics Office revealed that people who work from home enjoy an average of 24 minutes more sleep compared to their office counterparts. This finding comes as part of a larger analysis of how changing workplace dynamics have impacted daily routines in this post-pandemic era.

The extra sleep time is primarily attributed to eliminating the daily commute, which is a significant time saver for telecommuters. By not having to travel between home and work, home workers gain almost an hour of extra time per day.

That time is then split between “sleep and rest,” with home workers not only getting more sleep, but also finding an extra 15 minutes for exercise compared to workers who head to the office. We’re looking further into this study to find out why home workers get better rest before offering our expert advice on how to sleep better when working from home.

Key findings of the new study:

Study findings shows that home workers get an average of 24 minutes of extra sleep
The extra sleep is attributed to eliminating commute time
Study shows hybrid workers tend to be more productive and enjoy better work-life balance

The findings of the study, published by the Office for National Statistics, showed that remote workers save an average of 56 minutes a day. This translates into an extra 24 minutes spent on ‘sleep and rest’ and an extra 15 minutes on ‘exercise, sport and well-being’ compared to those who commute daily to work.

Why people who work from home get more rest

The female part sleeps while hugging a pillow

(Image credit: Getty Images)

While The ONS study doesn’t explicitly explain the reasons behind remote workers sleeping more, it’s reasonable to assume that this is due to the time saved by not commuting.

The extra time saved by not having to commute to and from a physical office every day means employees have more time to spend resting, leading to improved sleep patterns. It is interesting to note that the survey looked at the habits of those who worked at least seven hours a day during the traditional Monday through Friday work week.

However, the benefits of remote work extend far beyond just sleep. The flexibility of working from home often leads to a better work-life balance, which can then have a knock-on effect on overall well-being. Without the commute, workers can have more time and energy to spend engaging in exercise, which not only leads to better overall health, but can also mean better sleep.

The same goes for stress levels, working from home and avoiding a long commute can reduce stress, and a reduction in stress has numerous health benefits, including improved mood, better sleep quality, and reduced inflammation in organism.

What is a hybrid worker?

A hybrid worker is an employee who splits their work time between a traditional office setting and working remotely, usually from home.

A Study on business prospects and conditions also showed that businesses are encouraging hybrid working models as they result in improved staff wellbeing. Reducing stress, increasing time for personal activities such as exercise and relaxation can all contribute to an overall sense of well-being that not only improves productivity levels, but can have a positive effect on workers’ personal lives.

However, it is important to note that the relationship between working from home and improving sleep is not as simple as it might seem. While the extra time and flexibility of working from home is beneficial, remote workers still need to be careful not to blur the line between work and home.

This means sticking to a set work schedule and making sure that work doesn’t interfere with your personal life, such as checking emails or making calls outside of work hours, or even starting early and finishing late, as these small actions can add up and counteract the positive effects. work from home.

A woman was sitting on the couch next to a cat working on her laptop

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How to sleep well when you work from home

While the study showed that working from home led to more sleep time, this did not equate to quality sleep. Here’s how to fix this and get a good night’s sleep when working from home.

Don’t work in your bedroom

Although space may be limited in your home, it is very important not to install your workstation in the bedroom. Having a clear separation between your work and sleep space can signal to your brain that your bedroom is a space for rest and relaxation, not work. This is essential sleep hygiene.

It will also remove any temptation to quickly check your emails or work a little outside of work hours, which is also detrimental to your overall well-being. When you move into the bedroom in the evening, your body and mind will recognize this as a signal that it’s time to sleep, making it easier to drift off at night.

Establish a consistent sleep schedule

An afro-haired woman getting out of bed to turn off her alarm clock in the bright morning when the clocks turn back.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When you work from home, it can be tempting to set your alarm right before your first meeting, or wake up with just moments to spare before your shift, but stick to a constant connection. sleep schedule it can help you feel better and become more productive.

Try creating one night routine and go to bed at the same time every night, even on weekends, and set your alarm as you would if you were commuting to the office. The extra time you have between waking up and starting work can be used to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, exercise or relax in the morning.

Make sure you get some natural light

Working from home often means there’s no real reason to leave the house. But it’s essential to make a conscious effort to get outside and not only get fresh air, but also enjoy exposure to natural light. Get enough natural light it helps you produce melatonin, which then helps you sleep at night.

Taking a walk or having lunch outdoors is a great way to boost your energy levels during the day. It will also help regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier fall asleep at night.

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People who work from home sleep more, a new study shows

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People who work from home sleep more, a new study shows

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