LONG working hours may alter the structure of the brain, particularly the areas associated with emotional regulation and executive function, such as working memory and problem solving, according to preliminary research involving healthcare workers.
The findings suggested that overwork may induce neuroadaptive changes that could affect cognitive and emotional health, with mental health issues and burnout well-recognised in healthcare professions.
While the behavioural and psychological consequences of overwork are reasonably well understood, the underlying neurological mechanisms and anatomical changes are not.
The South Korean researchers used structural brain volume analysis to compare the impact of overwork on specific brain regions in healthcare workers routinely clocking up long working hours, defined as 52 or more a week.
The final analysis included MRI scans from 110 people: 32 who worked excessive weekly hours (28%), and 78 who worked standard hours.
Comparative analysis of the findings showed that people who worked 52 or more hours a week displayed significant changes in brain regions associated with executive function and emotional regulation, unlike participants who worked standard hours every week.
It is important to note that this is a small observational snapshot study, and no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect.
In addition, the researchers noted that in the absence of long term data, it is unclear whether these structural changes are a consequence of overwork or a predisposing factor.
However, they said the study represents "a meaningful first step in understanding the relationship between overwork and brain health".
"The observed changes in brain volume may provide a biological basis for the cognitive and emotional challenges often reported in overworked individuals," they continued.
"Future longitudinal and multi-modal neuroimaging studies are warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
"The results underscore the importance of addressing overwork as an occupational health concern and highlight the need for workplace policies that mitigate excessive working hours," they concluded.
Kay Dunkley, Executive Officer of Pharmacists' Support Service, told Pharmacy Daily that Australian pharmacists often work long hours without adequate rest breaks, and can find it hard to take leave, placing members of the profession at a high risk of burnout and mental health issues.
"Pharmacists' Support Services often receives calls about heavy workloads, which is as much an issue as hours of work," Dunkley said.
"We certainly recommend that pharmacists and all those working in pharmacy seek a balance in their lives with adequate time away from their workplace undertaking activities they enjoy, so that they can be at their best when at work to provide the care our Australian community needs and deserves," she added. KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 15 May 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 15 May 25
