Sleep patterns impact workforce participation and cognitive health

Research indicates that irregular sleep patterns or excessive sleep—defined as nine hours or more per night—starting at age 50 are associated with a reduction in workforce participation of approximately nine months. This finding is particularly relevant as many OECD countries increase legal retirement ages due to aging populations.

Saana Myllyntausta of the University of Turku conducted the study using data from the Finnish Public Sector study and the Health and Social Support study. The research examined the relationship between sleep quality and working life expectancy between the ages of 50 and 68.

Additionally, sleep quality remains critical for cognitive health in older adults. While deep sleep (N3 phase) naturally decreases with age, maintaining adequate slow-wave sleep is essential for memory. A reduction in this phase is linked to an increased risk of dementia. Experts note that total hours slept are less important than sleep structure, as fragmented sleep can impair mental performance and cognitive function.