Close Menu
Truth Republican
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Guns & Gear
  • Healthy Tips
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Truth Republican
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Guns & Gear
  • Healthy Tips
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Newsletter
Truth Republican
You are at:Home»Healthy Tips»Your brain physically changes when you work too much, scientists warn
Healthy Tips

Your brain physically changes when you work too much, scientists warn

Buddy DoyleBy Buddy DoyleJune 16, 2025No Comments4 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp
Your brain physically changes when you work too much, scientists warn
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

New research has found that being overworked can physically alter the brain.

Researchers in South Korea set out to understand how working long hours impact the cognitive and emotional health of employees.

The study, published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, assessed the brain volume of 110 healthcare workers who were classified by the categories of overworked – working greater than or equal to 52 hours per week – and non-overworked.

LOW-CALORIE DIETS LINKED TO SURPRISING MENTAL HEALTH EFFECT, NEW RESEARCH SHOWS

The results revealed that overworked individuals exhibited “significant changes” in brain regions that are associated with executive function and emotional regulation.

Study co-author Wanhyung Lee, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor at Chung-Ang University College of Medicine in Seoul, told Fox News Digital that this is one of the first studies to examine the relationship between prolonged working hours and structural brain changes.

“We initially had no clear expectations regarding what we might discover,” he revealed. “Therefore, we found the results particularly intriguing.”

The researcher noted that increased brain volume associated with cognitive and emotional functions was an “unexpected and fascinating” observation of the study.

“These findings open new questions and underscore the complexity of how chronic occupational stress might affect brain health, highlighting the need for further detailed investigations,” he said.

‘I’M A NEUROSURGEON – THIS IS WHAT I EAT FOR A BRAIN-HEALTHY BREAKFAST’

The increased brain volume as observed was found in regions associated with executive functions, Lee said, such as memory, decision-making and attention — as well as emotional regulation, such as stress management and emotional stability.

While these changes may initially reflect a need to manage “ongoing occupational stress,” according to Lee, there could be potential risks of prolonged or chronic alterations.

This could include neural strain, inflammation or maladaptive reorganization.

woman working late at night

“Although our current study cannot conclusively determine the long-term impacts, ongoing exposure without sufficient recovery may negatively affect cognitive and emotional health,” he said.

Lee urged employees who work excessive hours to recognize that chronic stress can lead to physical brain changes, not just psychological complications. This emphasizes the need to manage workload, prioritize rest and maintain emotional balance.

“At the same time, individual efforts alone are not sufficient; organizational support and proactive management by companies to create healthy working conditions are essential to protect employees’ brain health,” he said. 

NEGATIVE THOUGHTS MIGHT BE CHANGING YOUR BRAIN IN SURPRISING WAYS, STUDY SUGGESTS

“With the rapid advancement of smartphones and digital technology, work increasingly extends beyond traditional office hours into personal time, making chronic overwork more common and less visible,” Lee went on. “Employers and policymakers must also acknowledge and address these evolving work patterns to support sustainable working environments.”

The researcher recognized the progressive move toward becoming an “overwork society.” He urged employees to “actively set boundaries, ensure regular rest and recovery, practice stress management, and advocate for workplace policies that clearly define and respect healthy work-hour limits.”

worker at warehouse facility sits on floor tired

Dr. Paul Saphier, a neurosurgeon and founder of Coaxial Neurosurgical Specialists in New Jersey, was not involved in the study but commented on the findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Saphier considered the study interesting, yet not “overly surprising.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“There is no question that mental stress and fatigue, either with sleep deprivation, anxiety, long periods of intense concentration, etc., lead to alteration of neurotransmitter release and additional physiological changes,” he said. “This may ultimately lead to anatomical changes within the brain.”

Experts have known that professions that require “crisp cognitive awareness” with “zero room for error” — such as airline pilots and medical professionals — benefit from “limited consecutive work hours to reduce errors,” said the neurosurgeon.

stressed out man working at computer

Kyle Elliott, a California-based tech career coach and mental health expert, also weighed in during a separate interview with Fox News Digital.

“Caring for your mental health and well-being is essential if you want to be a productive employee,” he said. 

“Neglecting your mental health can not only affect your ability to work effectively but also negatively impact your physical health and longevity.”

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health

Elliot encouraged employees to advocate for their needs. 

“Don’t be afraid to speak up [at work or to employers] if you need to take a break or time off to protect your mental or physical health,” he said. “Your mind and body will thank you in the long run.”

The expert suggested taking smaller steps to preserve mental health and prevent burnout, such as taking allocated breaks throughout the workday, connecting with people who are safe to share your frustration with and limiting time on social media.

Read the full article here

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleI know why the UN Security Council is irrelevant to Gaza. I was there when the US stood up for Israel
Next Article Top 5 Best Compact 9mm Carry Pistols 2022

Related Articles

Top cosmetic procedures revealed in new report: What’s trending and why

Top cosmetic procedures revealed in new report: What’s trending and why

June 30, 2025
Living near a golf course is linked to Parkinson’s risk in new study as some cite limitations

Living near a golf course is linked to Parkinson’s risk in new study as some cite limitations

June 30, 2025
Controversial seed oils may offer unexpected health benefits, new research shows

Controversial seed oils may offer unexpected health benefits, new research shows

June 30, 2025
4 tips to get a better night’s sleep during sweltering summer temperatures

4 tips to get a better night’s sleep during sweltering summer temperatures

June 30, 2025
Ancient ‘pharaoh’s curse’ fungus shows promise in killing cancer cells

Ancient ‘pharaoh’s curse’ fungus shows promise in killing cancer cells

June 29, 2025
Billionaire’s death after swallowing bee raises questions about rare cardiac reaction

Billionaire’s death after swallowing bee raises questions about rare cardiac reaction

June 28, 2025
Body fat predicts major health risk that BMI misses, researchers say

Body fat predicts major health risk that BMI misses, researchers say

June 28, 2025
Extreme heat affects the brain — here’s how to protect your cognitive health

Extreme heat affects the brain — here’s how to protect your cognitive health

June 27, 2025
CDC committee moves to phase out controversial mercury ingredient from flu vaccines

CDC committee moves to phase out controversial mercury ingredient from flu vaccines

June 27, 2025
Don't Miss
Prince William draws hard line on uncle Prince Andrew’s royal future: experts

Prince William draws hard line on uncle Prince Andrew’s royal future: experts

Get These 5 Handguns This 2025 Before They’re Completely Off-Shelf!

Get These 5 Handguns This 2025 Before They’re Completely Off-Shelf!

TOP 10 BEST BENCHMADE KNIVES 2021

TOP 10 BEST BENCHMADE KNIVES 2021

Trump’s achievements embolden him to be even more aggressive

Trump’s achievements embolden him to be even more aggressive

Latest News
Trump warns of ‘whopping 68% tax increase’ if Senate fails to pass historic bill

Trump warns of ‘whopping 68% tax increase’ if Senate fails to pass historic bill

July 1, 2025
Republicans scrap deal in ‘big, beautiful bill’ to lower restrictions on states’ AI regulations

Republicans scrap deal in ‘big, beautiful bill’ to lower restrictions on states’ AI regulations

July 1, 2025
Top 10 Best Spyderco Knives 2021 (EDC Folding Knives)

Top 10 Best Spyderco Knives 2021 (EDC Folding Knives)

July 1, 2025
‘Antisemitic’ British band banned from US after viral ‘death to the IDF’ festival chants

‘Antisemitic’ British band banned from US after viral ‘death to the IDF’ festival chants

July 1, 2025
Michigan teacher, 26, facing charges after allegedly telling coworker she had sex with 16-year-old student

Michigan teacher, 26, facing charges after allegedly telling coworker she had sex with 16-year-old student

July 1, 2025
Copyright © 2025. Truth Republican. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.