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Doctors Warn: 72-Hour Workweeks Are a Health Hazard
18 Nov
Summary
- Extended work hours can cause chronic stress and burnout.
- Poor sleep from long workdays impacts mood, focus, and health.
- Unhealthy eating and no exercise elevate risks of chronic diseases.
Medical professionals are cautioning against a culture of excessively long work hours, citing significant health risks. They emphasize that a 70-hour workweek, while perhaps intended to boost national development, can lead to burnout, chronic stress, and a host of serious health issues including cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The disruption of sleep, diet, and exercise patterns further exacerbates these problems, impacting mental clarity and physical well-being.
These extended work schedules directly compromise sleep quality, affecting neurochemical balance, mood, focus, and emotional stability. Physically, prolonged sitting or standing contributes to musculoskeletal pain, while the lack of exercise increases the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Irregular eating habits driven by lack of time also promote obesity and insulin resistance.
Ultimately, doctors stress that a sustained 70-hour workweek is not a sustainable productivity strategy but a significant health hazard. They advocate for prioritizing rest, establishing work-life boundaries, and maintaining regular health checkups to safeguard both physical and mental health against the detrimental effects of overwork.
