Work-Related Burnout, Insomnia, and Psychological Well-Being among Computer Programmers: A Correlational Study in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Computer programmers face intensive cognitive demands, sustained concentration, tight deadlines, and extended working hours that may compromise occupational health. This study examined relationships among work-related burnout, insomnia, and psychological well-being among computer programmers in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study recruited 250 employed programmers, comprising 143 men and 107 women, aged 18–35 years. Data were collected between April and June 2024 through face-to-face questionnaires and Google Forms. Participants completed the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, Bergen Insomnia Scale, and Psychological Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, simple linear regression, and independent-samples t tests in SPSS 23. Results: Burnout correlated positively with insomnia (r = .248, p < .01) and negatively with psychological well-being (r = −.159, p < .05). The insomnia–well-being correlation was nonsignificant (r = −.053, p = .401). Burnout explained 6.2% of insomnia variance and 2.5% of psychological well-being variance. Women reported significantly higher burnout (p = .005) and insomnia (p = .022) than men; their psychological well-being scores did not differ significantly (p = .108). Conclusion: Greater burnout was associated with more insomnia symptoms and modestly poorer psychological well-being among programmers. Occupational workload management and access to employee support deserve attention. Because this study was cross-sectional and relied on self-report measures, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of causal relationships.