New research from South Korea shows that working too many hours can physically alter the brain. Scientists studied how long work hours affect the cognitive and emotional health of employees.
The study, published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, examined 110 healthcare workers. The participants were divided into two groups: those who worked 52 hours or more per week (overworked) and those who worked fewer hours (non-overworked).
Researchers found that people who worked long hours showed significant changes in brain areas linked to executive functions like memory, decision-making, and attention. These areas also help regulate emotions and manage stress.
Dr. Wanhyung Lee, an assistant professor at Chung-Ang University College of Medicine in Seoul and co-author of the study, told Fox News Digital this is one of the first studies to explore how extended working hours can change brain structure.
“We did not have clear expectations when we started,” Lee said. “So the results were particularly interesting.” He added that the increased brain volume found in certain regions was unexpected and fascinating. This finding raises new questions about how chronic work stress affects brain health and shows the need for further research.
The brain changes might initially help people manage ongoing stress at work. However, Lee warned that prolonged changes could carry risks, such as neural strain, inflammation, or harmful brain reorganization.
The study does not confirm long-term effects, but Lee cautioned that continuous overwork without enough rest might harm cognitive and emotional health.
He urged employees working long hours to recognize that chronic stress can cause physical brain changes, not just mental strain. “It is important to manage workloads, get enough rest, and maintain emotional balance,” he said.
Lee also emphasized that individual efforts are not enough. Companies must support healthy work environments to protect employees’ brain health.
“With technology and smartphones, work often extends beyond office hours into personal time,” he explained. “Employers and policymakers must address these changing work patterns to promote sustainable working conditions.”
Lee noted society is moving toward an “overwork culture.” He encouraged workers to set clear boundaries, take regular breaks, practice stress management, and push for workplace policies that limit work hours.
Dr. Paul Saphier, a neurosurgeon not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital that the findings are interesting but not surprising.
“Mental stress and fatigue, combined with sleep deprivation and intense concentration, alter brain chemicals and cause physical brain changes,” he said. He pointed out that jobs requiring high mental focus, like pilots and medical workers, limit consecutive work hours to reduce errors.
Kyle Elliott, a California-based career coach and mental health expert, also commented on the study.
“Taking care of your mental health is essential to staying productive,” Elliott said. He warned that neglecting mental health harms both work performance and physical health.
Elliott advised workers to speak up if they need breaks or time off to protect their health. “Your mind and body will thank you,” he said.
He also suggested simple steps to avoid burnout, such as taking regular breaks, connecting with trusted people to share frustrations, and reducing time on social media.
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