Being on-call for work can significantly disrupt sleep quality and trigger stress responses, even when work calls never actually materialize. The psychological anticipation of potential work interruptions keeps your nervous system in a heightened state, preventing deep, restorative sleep. This chronic sleep disruption can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other health complications. Australia has recently protected workers' right to disconnect from work outside regular hours through new legislation. Understanding how on-call obligations affect your health is crucial for advocating for better work-life boundaries and mental wellness.
