Sleep problems: a predictor of long-term work disability?

Abstract

Aims: This study investigates sleep problems as a predictor of long-term work disability. Methods: Data from a community-based four-year prospective study were used. In 1990, all inhabitants of the municipality of Ullensaker, Norway, belonging to six age cohorts (20-22, 30-32, 40-42, 50-52, 60-62, and 70-72 years), were mailed a questionnaire .Of the 1,788 responders who were working and not older than 62 years, 1,426 ( 80%) returned a second questionnaire four years later ( 1994) . Results: Reporting mediocre or poor sleep ( in contrast to good) in 1990 was significantly related to long-term work disability ( > 8 weeks) during the previous 12 months in 1994 ( odds ratio=2.16; 95% confidence interval=1.26-3.72) , after adjustments for age, gender, civil status, body mass index, emotional symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, self-evaluated health, smoking, physical exercise, job satisfaction, and work characteristics . Conclusion: The study indicates that sleep problems are a predictor of long-term work disability.