Commuter rage could be damaging your health, according to new research. Swedish scientists have discovered that those who travel to work by car or public transport not only suffer more stress but have more days off sick than those who walk or cycle.
The research by Lund University involved 21,000 of people who worked full-time aged between 18 to 64 years old. They found that commuters who drive or sat on a bus or train to and from work, suffer from irregular sleep patterns and have higher stress levels than those who were more active.
"Generally car and public transport users suffered more everyday stress, poorer sleep quality, exhaustion and, on a seven point scale, felt that they struggled with their health compared to the active commuters," says professor Erik Hanssen from the study.
The research also found that the longer the commute, the worse your health is likely to become. "The negative health of public transport users increased with journey time," added Hanssen.
However, the study wasn't able to point the blame entirely on the daily commute and ill health, as researchers believe there are many other variables that could contribute towards a lengthy commute and illness. These include efficiency of transport, personal circumstances and the areas travelled to and from.
If you commute to work by car or train and find that its damaging your health and well being, try life coach Sophia Davis' top tips on how to have a stress-free commute.
