Work problems can affect not only the sleep of employees but also that of their partners, according to a new study. Researchers reveal that this pattern of thinking prevents the mental disconnection necessary for adequate rest, and if prolonged, can affect the partner's sleep.
"The effects of work stress are cumulative and are not limited to the individual, but also impact the couple’s life," explained Professor Alfredo Rodríguez-Muñoz, the principal investigator of the study. "When a person experiences work problems and cannot disconnect, their partner may also suffer sleep disturbances, either due to disruptions in shared rest or the emotional impact of living with someone who does not sleep well," added the researcher.
To analyze this dynamic, the team conducted two independent studies. In the first, they followed 147 employees over five consecutive days, measuring their exposure to work problems, their levels of rumination, and the quality of their sleep. In the second, they studied 139 couples over a two-month period to assess how the insomnia of one partner could affect the other.
The results showed that difficulties in falling asleep, night awakenings, and the interference of insomnia in daily life can be transmitted between partners. Furthermore, they suggest that employees practice psychological disconnection techniques, such as setting boundaries between work and personal life or engaging in relaxation activities before bed.
The research from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) in collaboration with the University of East Anglia (UK) and the University of Seville, published in the journal 'Journal of Interpersonal Violence', studied the experiences of workers and their partners regarding work-related problems, finding that insomnia can be contagious. When one person suffers from sleep difficulties due to work issues, their partner also experiences disturbances in their rest.
The study indicates that one of the key factors is rumination, the tendency to think repetitively about work problems outside of working hours. However, satisfaction with sleep appears to be less susceptible to this effect. The researchers recommend that companies adopt strategies to reduce work stress and promote a healthy organizational culture.
