Perseverative Cognition as an Explanatory Mechanism in the Relation Between Job Demands and Sleep Quality

Michelle Van Laethem,Linda L Magnusson Hanson,Sabine A E Geurts,Johanna Garefelt,Debby G J Beckers,Constanze Leineweber

doi:10.1007/s12529-017-9683-y

Michelle Van Laethem, Linda L Magnusson Hanson + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-017-9683-y

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Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this longitudinal three-wave study was to examine (i) reciprocal associations among job demands, work-related perseverative cognition (PC), and sleep quality; (ii) PC as a mediator in-between job demands and sleep quality; and (iii) continuous high job demands in relation to sleep quality and work-related PC over time.MethodA representative sample of the Swedish working population was approached in 2010, 2012, and 2014, and 2316 respondents were included in this longitudinal full-panel survey study. Structural equation modelling was performed to analyse the temporal relations between job demands, work-related PC, and sleep quality. Additionally, a subsample (N = 1149) consisting of individuals who reported the same level of exposure to job demands during all three waves (i.e. stable high, stable moderate, or stable low job demands) was examined in relation to PC and sleep quality over time.ResultsAnalyses showed that job demands, PC, and poor sleep quality were positively and reciprocally related. Work-related PC mediated the normal and reversed, direct across-wave relations between job demands and sleep quality. Individuals with continuous high job demands reported significantly lower sleep quality and higher work-related PC, compared to individuals with continuous moderate/low job demands.ConclusionThis study substantiated reciprocal relations between job demands, work-related PC, and sleep quality and supported work-related PC as an underlying mechanism of the reciprocal job demands-sleep relationship. Moreover, this study showed that chronically high job demands are a risk factor for low sleep quality.

Highlights

Sleep problems are prevailing in modern society, with about one third of individuals from Western countries suffering from poor sleep [1, 2]
As the present study focused on sleep quality, respondents who worked night shifts on at least one of the waves were excluded from analyses (N = 999)
The first goal of this longitudinal three-wave study was to examine the interrelations between job demands, workrelated perseverative cognition (PC), and sleep quality over time

Summary

Introduction

Sleep problems are prevailing in modern society, with about one third of individuals from Western countries suffering from poor sleep [1, 2]. Suboptimal sleep quality is associated with negative health consequences and deficient work performance [3,4,5] and is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms [6]: (i) difficulties initiating sleep, (ii) difficulties maintaining sleep, (iii) waking up too early, or (iv) feeling non-refreshed in the morning. Previous research has shown that (chronic) stress is an essential antecedent of poor sleep quality and that work can be an important cause of stress [7,8,9]. A recent review suggests that job demands are among the most important work-related stressors in relation to sleep complaints [11, 12]. Several recent studies based on the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH) cohort

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