People who work more than 39 hours a week are putting their health at risk, new research from The Australian National University has found. The research shows the work limit for a healthy life should be set at 39 hours a week instead of the 48-hour-week limit set internationally about 80 years ago. "Long work hours erode a person's mental and physical health because it leaves less time to eat well and look after themselves properly,” said lead researcher Huong Dinh from the university's research school of population health. Shortening the number of hours is particular important for women, the study found. “They spend much more time on care and domestic work," Dinh said.