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New Research Highlights the Far-reaching Consequences of Workplace Harassment on Sleep Health
Workplace bullying not only affects employees’ mental well-being but also disrupts their sleep and that of their partners, according to new research published today. The study, conducted by the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the UK, along with Complutense University of Madrid and Seville University in Spain, provides fresh insights into how workplace bullying can have immediate and long-term consequences on sleep health.
The Link Between Bullying and Sleep Disruptions
The research highlights that exposure to workplace bullying from superiors or colleagues is associated with various sleep disturbances. These include waking up too early (sleep severity), sleep interfering with daily life (sleep impact), and dissatisfaction with sleep quality (sleep satisfaction).
Published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, the study aimed to understand the role of “anger rumination”—the persistent and repetitive thinking about distressing events like bullying—in mediating the relationship between bullying and sleep disorders. Findings suggest that anger rumination significantly contributes to sleep onset difficulties, frequent awakenings, and early morning waking over time.
Sleep Issues Extend to Partners
Perhaps one of the most surprising findings is that insomnia symptoms can be “contagious” between employees and their partners. Researchers found that sleep disruptions in one partner could influence the other, indicating the interconnectedness of sleep health within relationships.
Professor Ana Sanz-Vergel, from UEA’s Norwich Business School, emphasized the cumulative nature of workplace bullying’s impact:
“Our results show that the effects of workplace bullying are time-dependent and accumulative, extending beyond the individual and work setting to impact their partner’s sleep as well.”
She explained that individuals who experience workplace bullying may engage in rumination as a way of mentally processing and coping with the negative experiences. However, this constant preoccupation can lead to more significant sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently throughout the night.
The Research Approach
To explore these effects, the research team conducted two studies:
- The first study tracked 147 employees over five days to assess how bullying affected sleep severity through rumination.
- The second study followed 139 couples over two months, examining how workplace bullying influenced both employees’ and their partners’ sleep quality.
Both studies confirmed that rumination plays a crucial role in worsening sleep disturbances and that sleep dissatisfaction is less likely to be shared between partners compared to sleep severity and sleep impact.
Recommendations for Organizations and Individuals
The authors stress that workplace interventions should be implemented at both the organizational and individual levels. Employers should prioritize creating a healthy work culture to reduce stressors and prevent workplace bullying. On a personal level, individuals should be equipped with strategies to manage stress and disengage from work-related thoughts.
Prof. Sanz-Vergel noted that training employees on how to mentally disconnect from work has proven to be an effective strategy in reducing the effects of workplace bullying. She also suggested couple-oriented workplace prevention programs to provide coping mechanisms for both partners, potentially reducing stress levels and improving sleep quality.
Conclusion
As workplace bullying continues to be a pressing issue, its impact extends far beyond the office, affecting employees’ personal lives and relationships. This study underscores the importance of addressing workplace bullying proactively and holistically to safeguard mental and physical health.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on research findings from academic institutions and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or psychological advice. Individuals experiencing workplace bullying or sleep-related issues should seek professional guidance.
Source: University of East Anglia
Journal Reference: Rodríguez-Muñoz, A., et al. (2025). Your Job Makes Us Lose Sleep: The Effect of Workplace Bullying on Own and Partner’s Insomnia. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. doi.org/10.1177/08862605251318291.
