Work scheduling, sleep health, and cardiovascular disease risk in Canadian adults: a longitudinal analysis

Project Summary

Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of illness and death in Canada. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise are well known, less is understood about how work schedules and sleep shape heart health. This study will use data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging to examine the links between occupational scheduling, sleep quality, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Some jobs, such those involving shift work or physically demanding responsibilities, are associated with disrupted sleep. Poor sleep itself raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. By testing whether sleep worsens – or protects against – the effects of certain employment-scheduling practices, this research will shed light on how workplace and sleep-related factors interact. The results could guide healthier workplace practices, highlight the importance of sleep for preventing heart disease, and support healthy aging in Canada.