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Scientists recently learned that working late hours could lead to depression and other health issues later in life. 

A new study published in PLOS One is shedding light on the potential long-term consequences of working non-traditional hours during young adulthood.

Led by NYU Silver School of Social Work professor Wen-Jui Han, the research presents the correlation between irregular work schedules and increased susceptibility to depression and health problems later in life.

Examining the work patterns and sleep habits of over 7,000 Americans spanning three decades, from ages 22 to 50, the study uncovered concerning trends.

Surprisingly, only a quarter of participants maintained traditional daytime work hours, while the majority were subjected to variable schedules, including night shifts and rotating shifts.

According to Han, the prevalence of irregular work hours poses significant challenges to individuals' well-being, contributing to sleep deprivation and heightened risks of depression and poor health outcomes.

"Our work now is making us sick and poor," Han said in a zoom interview, according to OPB. "Work is supposed to allow us to accumulate resources. But, for a lot of people, their work doesn't allow them to do so. They actually become more and more miserable over time."

She further noted that the participants who prioritized earning a living over sleep suffered depressions and poor health.

"When our work becomes a daily stressor, these are the kind of health consequences you may expect to see 30 years down the road," Han said.

Han emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address these issues and support individuals in achieving a balanced and fulfilling work-life dynamic.

The study's findings underscore disparities in sleep quality and health outcomes among different demographic groups.

Black individuals and those with limited education disproportionately bear the burden of night shifts and volatile work schedules, exacerbating existing health disparities.

Notably, the study highlights the impact of inadequate sleep on health, with insufficient rest linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Dr. Alyson Myers, an endocrinologist and professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine who was not involved in the study, corroborates these findings, noting the critical role of sleep in maintaining overall health and managing chronic conditions like diabetes.

"Poor sleep is a risk factor for diabetes that very often we do not talk about," Myers explained. "One of the things that I have to preach to my patients about is that working nights, and if you get only four or five or less hours of sleep, that's going to increase your risk of diabetes and also worsen your glycemic control."

While the study shows the need for greater awareness and support for individuals working non-traditional hours, it also points to systemic challenges, including the necessity for multiple part-time jobs among some participants.

"Unfortunately, the trend for a lot of these people is that they have to work more than one job to survive," Myers said.