Sleep problems are a strong predictor of stress-related metabolic changes in police officers. A prospective study

Sergio Garbarino and Nicola Magnavita

PLOS ONE, 2019, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: Objective: Previous studies have shown that workers chronically exposed to occupational stress have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and sleep problems (SPs). The purpose of this study was to verify whether SPs mediate the relationship between stress and MetS. Method: A 5-year prospective cohort study included 242 police officers from a rapid response unit engaged exclusively in maintaining law and order. Perceived stress levels were measured repeatedly with the demand-control-support and the effort-reward-imbalance questionnaires; insomnia symptoms were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; excessive daytime sleepiness was measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. MetS and its components were evaluated at baseline and at follow-up. Results: During 5-year follow-up period, 26 new cases of MetS were identified. Both occupational stress and SPs were significantly related to incident cases of MetS. Insomnia symptoms showed a highly significant association with MetS (aOR 11.038; CI95% 2.867–42.493). Mediation analysis confirmed that SPs mediate the relationship between stress and MetS. Conclusion: SPs play a mediating role in the relationship between occupational stress and MetS. Prevention of MetS must include the control of stress factors and an increase in the resilience of workers, but correct sleep hygiene is also an essential factor.

Date: 2019
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0224259

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224259

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