Association Between Telecommuting Preference-Frequency Mismatch and Insomnia Among Japanese Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective We hypothesized that telecommuting's impact on sleep varied based on preference-frequency mismatch. Here, we evaluated this relationship in a large cohort of Japanese workers. Methods We collected data from 33,302 Japanese workers through an online survey, and analyzed participant preferences and frequency of telecommuting in 9,425 individuals who responded to a follow-up survey. We evaluated sleep using the Athens Insomnia Scale, and estimated odds ratios of insomnia using multilevel logistic regression. Results Workers preferring telecommuting had a higher risk of insomnia as telecommuting frequency decreased. OR for insomnia was 1.87 (p < 0.001) in those who telecommuted less than once per week. Conclusion Telecommuting's impact on workers' sleep depends on preference mismatch, with a higher risk of insomnia among those who prefer telecommuting but are unable to utilize it.