Doctor Kondrakhin explained how overtime affects health.

      April 11, 2026 09:00 Society The traditional eight-hour work schedule, familiar to many, is losing its relevance. In some fields, employers require highly qualified specialists to be available around the clock. Overtime has become a common occurrence for many Russians. However, cardiologist, therapist, and functional diagnostics doctor Andrey Kondrakhin emphasized the importance of the eight-hour workday in an interview with 360.ru. He reminded that previously the workday lasted 12 hours, which negatively affected workers' health, causing burnout and premature death. Kondrakhin explained that a lack of rest leads to overload of the sympathoadrenal system, causing stress that can become chronic. This negatively impacts the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, increasing the risk of neuroses, strokes, and heart attacks. The doctor emphasized that sufficient time for rest is necessary to maintain health. Eight hours is the maximum limit that can be dedicated to work without harming the body. Moreover, rest is important for restoring the strength and energy needed to perform daily tasks, including household duties that require time and effort but often go unnoticed. In response to a question about the demands for constant availability, Kondrakhin noted that even highly qualified specialists cannot be on call 24/7. He recommended taking short breaks to reset the brain, closing one's eyes and trying to distract oneself. If this does not help, the doctor advised considering a job change to a more flexible schedule. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is required. This resource may contain materials 18+