Worktime control-dependent reductions in fatigue, sleep problems, and depression

We investigated the association between worktime control and fatigue, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms in a sample of daytime and shift workers. A total of 3681 permanent daytime workers and 599 shift workers completed a questionnaire designed to assess the above variables. Worktime control was evaluated in terms of both “control over daily working hours” and “control over days off”. Worktime control × work schedule × gender analysis of covariance, adjusted for age and employment status, showed overall reductions in incomplete recovery, insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness, and depressive symptoms with increasing levels of worktime control. However, no associations between control over daily working hours and insomnia symptoms were observed in women. The reductions appeared to be more evident for control over days off. These results remained consistent after adjustments for other potential covariates. The present findings indicate that increased worktime control and enhanced control over days off in particular, may be associated with favorable health outcomes.