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Four health risks caused by long commutes to work
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Employees who drive or use public transportation are less likely to enjoy their activities and more likely to find it hard to concentrate. (Shutterstock/File)
N
o one likes to wake up early in the morning only to spend an hour or more on the road to reach the office. However, for many, it is a necessary means to commute.
There are pros and cons surrounding long commutes to work. Those thinking of doing it may want to check the health risks below, as reported by kompas.com.
Increased blood sugar
According to a study conducted by the Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, and the Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas, driving more than 16 kilometers to and from work might increase blood sugar levels, putting commuters at risk of prediabetes and diabetes.
Higher blood pressure
Those driving during peak hours or arriving late to work are more likely to get stressed or have higher blood pressure compared to those who go to work calmly, according to research conducted by the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. A high level of blood pressure can result in a stroke or heart disease.
Read also: Driving long hours can make you dumber, study finds
Higher risk of depression
A study conducted by the University of East Anglia in Norwich, United Kingdom, in 2014 revealed that employees who drive or use public transportation are less likely to enjoy their activities and find it harder to concentrate compared to those who walk or cycle to work.
Furthermore, those who drive to work reportedly had a lower mental health score, compared to those who walk to the office.
Neck and back pain
One-third of employees who spend more than 90 minutes to travel to and from work report that they experience neck and back pain, according to the Gallup World Poll in 2010. The pains are caused by holding certain postures while sitting or standing in a bus or a train during a long journey. (jes/asw)
