Revealed: Working from home is bad for the health of younger employees

Young adults who work from home may experience negative effects on their health due to reduced physical activity, potentially resulting in about half an hour less exercise per day.

Research has found that individuals entering their inaugural employment experience obtained an additional 28 minutes of moderate physical activity each day, including activities such as walking or cycling.

They observed an average decrease of 32 minutes in moderate physical activity.

To evaluate how commencing work impacted individuals' physical activity, sleep, and eating habits, researchers analyzed respondents in the UK - ranging in age from 16 to 30 - who participated in a nationwide household survey.

These volunteers reported their employment status annually and, every three years, were asked to detail the amount of exercise they engaged in on a typical weekly basis.

This included moderate physical activity, such as cycling, in addition to vigorous physical activity like heavy lifting or aerobics.

Researchers examined 128 people who telecommuted and a significantly larger group of 3,000 who worked in an office or other workplace.

The decrease in physical activity for people working from home was equivalent to 32 minutes of moderate physical activity each day, or 16 minutes of vigorous physical activity per day.

The observed increase in physical activity among young adults was primarily noted in individuals with semi-routine jobs, including bus drivers and hairdressers, as well as people in routine jobs, such as cleaners and waiters, and those with technical occupations.

There was minimal variation observed among individuals entering managerial or professional positions.

The results are published in the international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity.

Dr Eleanor Winpenny, a senior author of the study at University of Cambridge and now at Imperial College London, stated: "If we wish to remain healthy over our lifetime, we must remember that engaging in physical activity is a crucial factor in realizing this objective."

‘Those who work from home could look at incorporating physical activity into their daily routine, such as by taking a walk before or after they start work, or taking a short walk during their lunch break.’

Alena Oxenham, co-author of the study from the University of Cambridge, stated: “Starting a job can have a profound effect on our lifestyles and on behaviors that may influence our health, even if not right away, but later in life.”

‘It's encouraging to see that people engage in more physical activity upon starting work; however, these results are consistent with averages, and many individuals, including those who work remotely and, to a lesser extent, office workers, might actually be less active.’

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Specialists say there are benefits to couples sleeping separately

Michael Solender and his wife have been together for 42 years; they slept in the same bedroom for the first decade, moving to separate rooms after that.

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Back at home due to other problems. He's generally warm in the evenings and she normally feels chilly.

“For us, having separate bedrooms is simply a healthier and more positive way to be in a relationship,” said Solender, 66. “There's no shame attached to that. There's no stigma.”

Snoring, temperature changes, "cover stealers", and restlessness that involves rolling over frequently often cause partners to sleep apart. Other factors at play include illness, inconsistent work shifts, and partners who go to bed and get up at different times.

According to an American Academy of Sleep Medicine investigation from last year, they have found that some people occasionally or regularly sleep elsewhere such as a spare bedroom or sofa to accommodate a sleep partner. It is typically men who tend to choose this arrangement.

And, perhaps somewhat astonishingly, it's the younger generation who do it the most, rather than older people.

Dr. Seema Khosla, a pulmonologist and spokesperson for the academy, stated that obtaining satisfactory sleep, typically seven to eight hours per day for adults, is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.

It has been pointed out by Khosla, the medical director of the North Dakota Center for Sleep in Fargo, that individuals who persistently suffer from poor sleep are more likely to experience disputes with their partners.

“It's really a matter of people prioritising their sleep,” Khosla said. “I've had patients who have been married for 60 years and they're adamant that having separate bedrooms has been a factor."

She said that sleeping in separate rooms is probably more common than most people imagine.

The same applies to sleep apnea, a major cause of loud snoring, Khosla stated. Solender went to see a sleep specialist after realising the effect sleep deprivation had on himself and his wife.

I'd wake her up and wake myself up," he said. "I never realised I had sleep apnea. I believe it started approximately 20 years prior, I kept falling asleep at red lights. I was falling asleep while watching TV or sitting up reading a book. I felt perpetually exhausted, which is when I knew I had a problem.

Key to making separate sleep spaces work is opening up a conversation about it beforehand, as Solender did with his wife.

“Crucially, it’s not about sidestepping closeness. It’s your acceptance that you can experience closeness and enjoy shared moments together, but simply resting apart afterwards. This part of our discussion is vital and for mutual understanding, both partners must get on the same page.”

She has noticed some hesitation among her patients when she suggests sleeping apart.

“It’s usually a partner who’s snoring or someone who’s woken up by their partner’s alarm going off at 4 in the morning, or something similar. We discuss it and people will immediately argue saying, no, that won’t work for me,” she said.

Some, Khosla said, “will sit with it for a minute and they’ll ponder it, and you can tell they're thinking, I would really like to do this, but how do I discuss it with my partner?”

Tracey Daniels and her husband had been sleeping in separate beds for around four years. Initially, there wasn't much discussion about it; she simply drifted off to the guest room.

My husband is a dreadful snorer, but also I'm a very restless sleeper," said Daniels, who resides in Tryon, North Carolina. "He could drop a paperclip on a carpeted floor and I would wake up.

She later stated that she began a conversation after being diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery.

“He looks after me and gives me a kiss at night,”

They take their three dogs for a turn to sleep.

Dr P Ch. Zee, chief of sleep medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and director of the sleep clinic at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, mentioned that sleep separation is a common problem in her line of work.

It would be a good idea to talk about sleep routines before getting married. Often, couples only do this after they've been married or have been together for a period of time and then struggle to resolve their differences.

By middle age, Zee mentioned, sleep quality has diminished.

"People are more susceptible to problems like insomnia or sleep apnea. That gets quite troublesome," she said.

There's nothing to be ashamed of about sleeping in separate beds, but Zee points out that technology has made sharing a bed easier in some respects. Devices that produce white noise, cooling pillows and bedding, mattresses with twin temperature controls, and dual control electric blankets can be of assistance, according to Zee. Some couples have found that giving up shared blankets and using personal bedding has improved their sleep.

"There is a whole market out there that could help mitigate some of these issues," she said.

Sleep separation has become more widely accepted as people have become more aware of the need for quality sleep as a vital aspect of overall health, Zee stated.

In contrast, there's evidence to suggest having sex before sleeping can have some advantages," she said. "In summary, probably the top priority is to seek expert guidance before taking a decision. Do the issues indicate a sleep disorder that can be effectively treated?

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Common dye turns skin invisible to see the organs inside

A colourless food additive sometimes found in snack items has the potential to render skin translucent, making its internal organs visible, scientists have discovered.

Scientists discovered that by applying the dye to the skin, they could visually observe the blood vessels in the brain and watch as the organs and underlying muscles responded.

The researchers carried out their study using mice. However, they believe the dye is safe to use in other animals, and it may be feasible to use it in humans.

The dye is a food colouring called tartrazine, used for its yellowish hue. However, the same colour means it absorbs light, particularly blue and ultraviolet light.

We're usually unable to see through skin because it scatters light, much like fog does. However, this colour works by altering the way skin bends light – a change that prevents it from scattering as much, making it appear more transparent to the eye.

Scientists can easily apply the pigment: they rub a mixture of the colouring dissolved in water on to the animal's skin. Shortly after, it becomes transparent, as it seeps into the skin.

Researchers were then able to see the blood vessels and organs beneath, and even watch the muscle contractions that occurred as the mice's digestive system worked.

After the tests have been completed, the dye may be washed off and the effect will be undone. Any of the dye that remains in the skin will be absorbed and then removed as waste through the urine.

The dye itself is safe for living organisms, which is fortunate because it's already used in sweets, snack crisps and other edible items. It has also been given regulatory clearance by the US National Food and Drug Authority as safe for use in food products.

It is still unclear whether the process would be effective for humans, given that human skin is 10 times thicker than a mouse's skin. Researchers suggest that it might be possible to use more dye or a different delivery method to penetrate the skin fully.

But doing that could potentially enable doctors and healthcare professionals to gain a deeper understanding of what's going on inside a patient's body.

“In human medicine, we currently make use of ultrasound to examine the deeper parts of the living body,” Ou said. “A lot of medical diagnosis platforms are very costly and out of reach to a wide range of people, but platforms based on our technology should not be.”

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I’m a GP and bowel cancer survivor. Here’s what I eat to boost my gut health

In the initial episode of our new series, Dr Anisha Patel, 44, a General Practitioner, author and bowel cancer survivor, explains how she incorporates nutritious food into her busy lifestyle.

Wake up

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First drink: 0 calories

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Coffee time: 120 calories

"which I make with our new coffee machine, a recent purchase. I usually have a latte with oat milk (120 calories).

Breakfast: 398 calories

It's been useful to eat my meals within a limited time frame, as this allows my gut a period of rest. I tend to eat breakfast between eight am and nine am, after I've finished a run, swim or session of weight training.

Which are the most convenient breakfast options that are great if you’re short on time. I boil them in the evening and grab two of those (150 calories), a few oatcakes (90 calories), some fruit and a handful of plain mixed nuts (158 calories) – I particularly enjoy pecans, cashews, almonds and Brazil nuts. It's a balanced choice that keeps me full.

When I'm having breakfast at home, I usually make overnight oats with almond milk and chia, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, topped with honey or a spoonful of peanut butter and fresh or frozen fruit. The children love it - it's a real treat. It's also very easy to prepare and take out with me - simply add the ingredients to any jar, screw on the lid and pop it in the fridge overnight.

Morning snack: 150 calories

It's embedded, rather like peanut butter, so I can insert crackers or carrot sticks if I fancy a snack.

Lunch: 670 calories

I have lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm in the staff room or at my desk. I frequently have leftovers as I dislike food waste. Today, I had last night's chilli (420 calories) with a bit of rice (200 calories) and cottage cheese (50 calories). It's really popular at the moment but I like it for its high protein content, which helps keep me feeling fuller for longer.

When I'm not having yesterday's food, it's all about cooking in bulk. Like many people, I'm extremely busy, so I dedicate an hour or so in the evening or at the weekend to prepare containers of salad.

I toss all sorts of ingredients into a large bowl, including Merchant Gourmet grains, lentils or chickpeas and other bits and bobs we've got at home – tomatoes, cucumber, pomegranate, extra virgin olive oil, cottage cheese or feta. It's chock-full of goodness, containing plenty of polyphenols and antioxidants.

It's also more cost-effective, you dispose of less food and it becomes simpler to include more plant-based foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruit, herbs, spices and nuts, which is the most effective way to nourish your gut microbiome and promote our mental and physical wellbeing.

If I've got the time, I'll take a 10-minute walk during my lunch break to get some fresh air.

Sugar kick: 192 calories

At 4 o'clock I'm a big fan of kiwis. They're great for gut health as they've got a mix of soluble and insoluble fibre. So I'll have a couple of those (68 calories) and something else, like an orange, grapes or dried mango (41 calories).

There's always chocolate, biscuits and snacks available in the doctor's surgery. As for me, as anyone else would, I have a bit of a weakness for chocolate and occasional packets of crisps. Although I don't make a habit of snacking on these items daily, if I do, I generally prefer a chocolate digestive (83 calories).

Dinner: 617 calories

I'm often famished as soon as I arrive home, so I generally try to eat dinner with the children at 5:30 pm, though occasionally it's not until 7 pm. My partner typically returns from work a bit later, but joins us for dinner half the time.

Tonight, we're having a Chinese stir fry. This morning, to make it quick and easy when I get home, I did 10 minutes of food preparation by chopping up the pak choi, peppers, onions, mushrooms and broccoli for dinner (617 calories).

Some other popular options include lasagna, chilli, curries, and homemade pie. Our protein choices usually feature chicken, turkey, fish, red meat (limited to once a week), paneer or halloumi. I always incorporate a generous amount of spices and herbs. We'll also have pizza on a weekly basis.

Sweet treat: 157 calories

At the weekend, we'll have homemade pudding, usually made by the kids. But on weekdays, we opt for a couple of items of fruit and a pot of Yeo Valley kefir or Sainsbury's own Greek yogurt (101 calories).

I have a fondness for dark chocolate, and it's not just about the health benefits. I savour one square from a minimum 70 per cent bar each evening after my dinner to satisfy my sweet cravings (56 calories). As for the brand, I'm not particularly particular, but I usually opt for Lindt or Green and Black's.

I don't eat anything after my square of dark chocolate, which is by 7 pm. There are exceptions, such as at weekends or when we are dining out, when I may eat a little later.

I'm usually asleep by 10pm, often even a bit earlier, like 9:30pm. I need my rest and get around eight hours' sleep on most nights.

Evening tipple: 52 calories

I don't drink on week days, but I do enjoy a drink socially at the weekends. I'm particularly fond of a gin and tonic (52 calories) or a glass of bubbly. Unfortunately, my insides don't get on with alcohol, so I keep it to a minimum and limit myself to no more than 14 units per week. I make sure to really appreciate the one or two drinks I have now and then.

As told to Emily Craig

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Hancock to give evidence as Covid inquiry explores vaccine issues

Public hearings for the fourth part of the Covid-19 Inquiry are due to start on Tuesday, with former Health Secretary Matt Hancock set to give evidence this week.

The hearings, taking place from 14 January to 31 January, will examine the matters connected to the creation and deployment of vaccines in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Britain was the first country to roll out an approved Covid-19 vaccine throughout the world.

A historic nationwide vaccination programme aimed at combating the virus got underway on 8 December 2020, with doses manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Moderna being made available.

At its peak, there were well over 4,000 accredited vaccination sites operational across NHS's seven regions and 153 local authorities.

Information from the NHS states that by 5 January 2025, over 175 million vaccinations had been given in England.

Module four of the COVID-19 inquiry will look into the development, purchasing, production, and approval of the vaccines and the measures taken to permit the use of novel treatments throughout the crisis.

It will examine obstacles to vaccine uptake, including faith in the jabs and difficulties gaining access, as well as concerns about vaccine safety and a suggested link between Covid-19 vaccines and heart problems.

The probe will also examine if changes are required to the UK Vaccine damage payment scheme – which grants a one-off tax-free payment of £120,000 to those left disabled due to vaccinations.

This week's evidence sessions will commence with opening statements from key parties involved, followed by testimony from representatives of grief-stricken families as well as organisations representing individuals affected by vaccine complications.

Matt Hancock, who served as health secretary from 2018 until June 2021, will be giving evidence on Thursday.

He will be succeeded by Professor Heidi Larson, a leading authority on vaccine hesitation.

On Friday, the sessions will feature appearances by Lord Alok Sharma, the former business secretary; Dr Clara Swinson, the former top official for global health and health protection at the Department of Health and Social Care; and Catherine Little, the former second-in-command at HM Treasury.

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