Karoshi

there’s one uniquely Japanese term you don’t want to relate to: karoshi, which translates as “death by overwork”.

Thanks to friend Drew for alerting us to this article about the history and medical theory of Karoshi.

Intriguingly, karoshi might not be caused by stress or a lack of sleep, but time spent in the office. By analysing the habits and health records of more than 600,000 people, last year researchers found that those who worked a 55-hour week were a third more likely to suffer a stroke than those working fewer than 40 hours. Its not known why, but the authors speculated it might simply be the result long periods sat at a desk.

★ Buy Issue 12 of New Escapologist at the shop; buy our popular digital bundle; join the mailing list for occasional newsletters and free gifts; or get the Escape Everything! book.