Working in an office with no windows costs you 46 minutes of sleep per night

A study suggests that our working environment can affect the setting of our body’s own internal clock.

12:22 05 August 2014

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Illinois, found that working in an office with no windows has a detrimental effect on our sleep’s quality and quantity.

 

In fact, the findings suggest that this costs an average of 46 minutes sleep per night. Because of the findings, researchers said that employers can help boost the physical and mental health of their workers by making sure that their offices are better designed.  

 

The study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine was participated in by 49 office employees. Half of them were asked to spend their working hours in mostly windowless environments, while the rest got a dose of sun exposure through windows. 

 

The results show that the group with the most work-time light exposure slept an average of 46 minutes more compared to the other group. They also scored better on sleep quality scale and reported fewer night-time disturbances. 

 

In a report on their findings they said: 'Workers in offices with windows not only had significantly more light exposure during work hours but also slept an average of 46 minutes more per night during the week than those without (access to) windows.

 

'Office workers with more light exposure at the work place also tended to have better sleep quality, more physical activity and a better quality of life.

 

'We suggest that architectural design of office environments should place more emphasis on sufficient daylight exposure for workers in order to promote health and well-being.'