Workplace bullying spreads: Study links it to poor sleep

Workplace bullying harms mental health and job satisfaction, but its impact extends further. A recent study in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence reveals that bullying also disrupts sleep—and this effect spreads to victims’ partners.

Workplace bullying comes from colleagues or superiors, creating stress beyond office hours. One key reason for sleep problems is anger rumination. Victims replay negative experiences in their minds, increasing stress and preventing relaxation. This emotional burden follows them home, making it hard to disconnect from work.

Stress-related sleep disturbances don’t stay confined to the victim. The study found that these sleep issues are ‘contagious,’ affecting their partners too. When victims struggle to fall asleep, wake up frequently, or toss and turn, their partners experience similar disruptions. This shared exhaustion strains both individuals, compounding the negative effects.

To combat the issue, researchers urge workplaces to take action. Effective interventions can reduce bullying, easing the emotional toll on employees. By fostering positive workplace relationships, companies can help prevent mental stress from translating into physical issues like sleep disturbances.