Working too much overtime can be worse for your health than you think, especially your brain. Working more than 52 hours a week can cause physical changes in brain structure, especially in areas associated with memory, emotion, and decision-making, according to a new study.

Scientists at Yonsei University in South Korea discovered that individuals who worked long hours differed markedly in important areas of the brain from those working regular hours.

What the research discovered.

The study, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, focused on healthcare professionals, who are known for their demanding work schedules. The scientists analyzed brain scans of 110 workers, 32 of whom worked more than 52 hours a week, while the remaining 78 had more typical schedules.

The results show that people who work long hours have clear changes in the brain areas responsible for:

• emotional regulation

• working memory

• language processing

• decision-making.

• self-awareness

One of the most affected areas was the middle frontal gyrus, which was 19 percent larger in long working hour individuals. The superior frontal gyrus and insula also showed changes, and both are involved in planning, emotional responses, and conscious awareness.

Why These Findings Matter

These structural changes may be able to account for why people who work long hours become mentally and emotionally drained. More importantly, the research adds to the growing body of evidence that overwork is not simply an issue of lifestyle but a serious health issue.

“This may help explain why people who work excessively long hours often report feeling mentally and emotionally drained,” said the researchers.

In addition to increasing the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, and mental illness, chronic overwork can silently reshape the brain.

Although it is unclear whether these changes are harmful or a mechanism for coping with stress, the effect is dramatic.

Points to note

This was a small study, and the researchers caution that it does not necessarily establish that long working hours result in brain changes. Nor is it clear whether the changes are permanent or whether they can be reversed by rest and a reduced workload.

But at what potential cost to our mental well-being?

A wake-up call to work-life balance

The researchers urge policymakers and employers to take overwork seriously. They recommend developing workplace policies to limit excessive hours and promote mental health.

For us, the message is simple but powerful: Prioritize balance. Protecting your brain can start with rethinking your calendar.

Reference:

1. Jang W, Kim S, Kim Y, et alOverwork and changes in brain structure: a pilot studyOccupational and Environmental Medicine 2025;82:105-111.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)