New research reveals that workplace bullying not only affects the sleep of the targeted employee but also extends to their partner. A collaborative study by institutions in the UK and Spain has explored how exposure to bullying at work influences various aspects of sleep, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and early morning awakenings. The findings highlight the significant role of persistent anger and rumination on these sleep disturbances. Additionally, the research underscores the interconnectedness of sleep health within relationships, suggesting that sleep issues can be "contagious" between partners.

The study, led by Professor Ana Sanz-Vergel from the University of East Anglia's Norwich Business School, examined the immediate and accumulative effects of workplace bullying. Researchers found that employees who experience bullying often engage in repetitive thinking about distressing events, leading to increased sleep problems. This pattern of rumination serves as a maladaptive coping mechanism, ultimately exacerbating sleep difficulties over time.

To investigate this phenomenon, two studies were conducted. The first followed 147 employees over five days, while the second tracked 139 couples for two months. Participants reported on their exposure to bullying, work-related anger rumination, and different indicators of insomnia. The results indicated that bullying indirectly affected sleep severity through rumination in the first study, and in the second study, it also impacted sleep satisfaction and sleep interference.

Interestingly, the research revealed that sleep disturbances can be contagious within couples. When one partner experiences poor sleep, it can affect the other’s sleep quality, particularly in terms of severity and daily life interference. However, sleep satisfaction appears less susceptible to this contagion, possibly due to its more subjective nature.

Based on these findings, the researchers recommend a multi-faceted approach to addressing workplace bullying. At the organizational level, reducing stressors and fostering a healthy culture are crucial. At the individual level, interventions should focus on developing effective stress management skills. Training programs aimed at helping employees disconnect from work have shown promise, as have couple-oriented prevention programs designed to provide coping strategies for both partners. These measures could help minimize rumination and reduce insomnia symptoms.

The implications of this research extend beyond the workplace, emphasizing the broader impact of bullying on personal and relational well-being. By understanding and addressing these issues, organizations can create healthier environments that benefit both employees and their families.