Summary
Occupational stress doesn't just affect HRV at work—it suppresses autonomic function during evenings and weekends too. High job strain is associated with persistently lower HRV.
Methods
24-hour HRV monitoring in workers with varying stress levels
Key Findings
- High job strain associated with 15-20% lower 24-hour HRV
- Evening and weekend HRV also suppressed
- Poor work-life boundaries worsened the effect
- Job control and social support were protective
Limitations
Self-reported stress measures; selection bias possible
What This Means for You
If your HRV is chronically low, consider work stress as a factor—even if you feel fine. The autonomic impact of chronic occupational stress extends beyond working hours.
Source
Read the original paper in International Journal of Psychophysiology ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-09