Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Study Links Overworking to Structural Brain Changes in Key Cognitive and Emotional Areas

New research from South Korea finds working 52+ hours weekly correlates with alterations in brain regions, raising concerns over long-term health and workplace policies.

Side view of dedicated male professional working late at illuminated desk in coworking space
A stock image of a woman sitting at a work desk with her hands over her eyes under her glasses.
Image
A demanding work schedule could lead to short-term cognitive enhancements but problems in the long run

Overview

  • A Yonsei University study using MRI scans found structural brain changes in workers clocking 52 or more hours weekly, particularly in areas tied to executive function and emotional regulation.
  • Overworked individuals showed a 19% increase in left caudal middle frontal gyrus volume and changes across 17 brain regions, including those involved in attention, planning, and emotional processing.
  • The study analyzed 110 full-time workers, including healthcare professionals, with 32 working excessive hours and 78 adhering to standard hours.
  • Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to determine whether these brain changes are caused by overwork or predispose individuals to work longer hours.
  • Global health organizations estimate overwork contributes to one-third of work-related disease burdens and over 800,000 deaths annually, underscoring calls for workplace policy reforms to limit excessive hours.