Late nights at work increase stroke risk by a third

The biggest study of its kind has revealed that the longer you stay at your desk in the evenings, the higher the risk of a stroke.

Employees who work more than 55 hours a week have a 33% increased risk of stroke, compared to those who work 35 to 40 hour weeks. They also found a 13% increased risk of coronary heart disease.

The study, conducted by scientists at University College London and carried out in three continents, said: “Sudden death from overwork is often caused by stroke and is believed to result from a repetitive triggering of the stress response.

“Behavioural mechanisms, such as physical inactivity, might also link long working hours and stroke; a hypothesis supported by evidence of an increased risk of incident stroke in individuals who sit for long periods at work.