A bibliometric review of sleep and work performance research up to 2023

Abstract This study systematically maps the research landscape on the relationship between sleep and work performance, identifying key intellectual foundations, thematic areas, and structural relationships. Using bibliometric methods, we analyzed 272 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database from inception through December 2023. Co-citation, co-occurrence, and bibliographic coupling analysis were conducted in VOSviewer software to identify dominant intellectual clusters, examine thematic linkages, and trace the field’s historical evolution. Three dominant themes emerged: the impact of sleep disorders, challenges posed by shift work, and effects of high-stress environments. Findings indicate a shift from primarily clinical concerns to broader organizational perspectives, increased methodological diversity, and growing recognition of sleep as a critical factor in employee health and productivity. Although the field has grown substantially, important gaps remain, such as limited attention to the role of wearable technologies, sleep stages, and the bidirectional nature of the sleep-performance relationship. The results highlight the need for longitudinal field studies and interdisciplinary approaches. Practically, the findings support workplace policies that promote sleep health through scheduling reforms, awareness initiatives, and targeted interventions, particularly for shift workers and those in high-stress professions, to enhance well-being, safety, and performance.