Health on the line: Is entrepreneurship (literally) killing you?

Mojca Svetek  |  1 November 2023

Research using physiological biomarkers shows that over time, entrepreneurs’ bodies start showing elevated stress hormones, more inflammation, and cardiovascular disease—more so than the bodies of employees.

Tune into this episode to discover:

  • Why entrepreneurs’ health deteriorates faster than that of employees.
  • The role of detachment from work in protecting physical health.
  • Five evidence-based methods for recovery that entrepreneurs could benefit from.
  • What the recovery paradox is and how to overcome it.

Research articles:

  • Angerer, M., Pichler, G., Angerer, B., Scarpatetti, M., Schabus, M., & Blume, C. (2022). From dawn to dusk—mimicking natural daylight exposure improves circadian rhythm entrainment in patients with severe brain injury. Sleep, 45(7), zsac065.
  • Boivin, D.B., Boudreau, P., & Kosmadopoulos, A. (2021). Disturbance of the circadian system in shift work and its health impact. Journal of Biological Rhythms, 37, 3 – 28.
  • Brainard, J., Gobel, M., Scott, B., Koeppen, M., & Eckle, T. (2015). Health implications of disrupted circadian rhythms and the potential for daylight as therapy. Anesthesiology, 122(5), 1170-1175.
  • Hu, R. F., Jiang, X. Y., Zeng, Y. M., Chen, X. Y., & Zhang, Y. H. (2010). Effects of earplugs and eye masks on nocturnal sleep, melatonin and cortisol in a simulated intensive care unit environment. Critical Care, 14(2), 1-9.
  • Lee, S. H., Patel, P. C., & Phan, P. H. (2023). Are the self-employed more stressed? New evidence on an old question. Journal of Small Business Management, 61(2), 513-539.
  • Oerlemans, W. G., & Bakker, A. B. (2014). Burnout and daily recovery: A day reconstruction study. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 19(3), 303.
  • Patel, P. C., Wolfe, M. T., & Williams, T. A. (2019). Self-employment and allostatic load. Journal of Business Venturing, 34(4), 731-751.
  • Sonnentag, S. (2001). Work, recovery activities, and individual well-being: A diary study. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 6(3), 196.
  • Van Hooff, M. L., Geurts, S. A., Beckers, D. G., & Kompier, M. A. (2011). Daily recovery from work: The role of activities, effort and pleasure. Work & Stress, 25(1), 55-74.
  • Van Hooff, M. L., Geurts, S. A., Kompier, M. A., & Taris, T. W. (2007). Workdays, in-between workdays and the weekend: A diary study on effort and recovery. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 80, 599-613.
  • Zijlstra, F. R., & Sonnentag, S. (2006). After work is done: Psychological perspectives on recovery from work. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 15(2), 129-138.