The study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that worry about money and job security can make it harder to relax before sleep and lower sleep quality. Researchers followed full-time Army and Air National Guard service members for nine months as part of a Department of Defense funded project.
Participants reported financial stress at the start, bedtime stress behaviours four months later, and sleep health five months after that. Scientists used both self-reported sleep measures and wrist-worn actigraph devices. The team found that economic stress predicted more tense thoughts at bedtime and then more insomnia symptoms and daytime problems. The authors say employers can offer pay, benefits, financial planning, and schedule flexibility, while individuals can try consistent sleep schedules and less screen time before bed.
Difficult words
- stress — A feeling of worry or pressure.
- financial — Related to money and managing it.
- support — Help or assistance given to someone.
- situation — A set of conditions or state of affairs.
- fatigue — A state of extreme tiredness.
- quality — The standard or level of something.
- habits — Regular practices or routines.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do financial worries affect your daily life?
- What healthy habits do you think improve sleep?
- In what ways can workplaces better support their employees?
Related articles
New law sets marriage age at 18, but child marriage continues in South Punjab
In May 2025 Pakistan made the legal marriage age 18 for everyone. Child marriage still happens in South Punjab, as seen in Behal, where a 14-year-old girl named Zunaira was arranged to marry a much older man.
Clean water reduces child stunting in Mozambique
A University of Notre Dame study using national survey data finds that improved access to safe drinking water lowers the odds of stunting in Mozambican children by about 20%. Improved sanitation showed no independent effect on stunting.
Forest loss in tropics raises local heat and deaths
A study using satellite data found that tropical deforestation from 2001–2020 exposed 345 million people to local warming and likely caused about 28,000 heat-related deaths per year, mainly in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Depression test works for people with chronic pain
Researchers found that a common eight-question depression test gives similar results for people with and without chronic pain. The study used a large 2019 US health survey and says clinicians can trust positive screens in patients with pain.