New research has revealed a direct link between the quality of sleep and the length of working life, establishing that poor sleep can significantly reduce it. The study found that people over 50 whose sleep is disturbed lose an average of nine months of their working life. These findings indicate that quality sleep is not merely a matter of general well-being, but a key factor that directly affects the length of remaining working life in later years.

The research highlighted gender differences in the context of sleep. Although general sleep disturbances are present, women who do not suffer from specific sleep disorders have a longer working life compared to men. While the working life of women extends to the age of 68, men in the same age group, those over 50, record a shorter duration of working life. This fact underscores the importance of monitoring sleep quality as an integral part of healthcare, particularly for the older population, and highlights the need for greater awareness of the impact of sleep on overall health and longevity.

Experts stress that understanding this link is crucial for preventing health problems associated with ageing. Sleep quality, therefore, is not just a matter of general well-being, but a key factor affecting the length of remaining working life. These findings prompt changes in lifestyle, with an emphasis on the importance of quality sleep for maintaining health and longevity, particularly in the context of an ageing population.