Sleep deprivation is a serious workplace issue and becomes even more of a concern if employees are doing things like operating vehicles, working with heavy machinery or providing medical care.
Recent research has found evidence that sleep isn’t just a “nice to have,” as was once believed, but that it’s key for a properly functioning nervous system – and that going without it for too long could even result in serious neuron damage. Sleep deprived employees reported:
- 23% reduced concentration
- 18% reduced memory
- 10% difficulty with financial decisions
- With an annual productivity loss of around $2000 per employee annually
Sleep deprived employees are also at a significantly higher risk of developing many other health conditions including hypertension, diabetes, obesity and depression.
Employers should:
- Help employees understand the importance of getting enough sleep
- Highlight the risks associated with sleep deprivation
- Offer tips and suggestions for falling and staying asleep
- Encourage employees to log their nightly sleep to see how many hours they’re getting
- Support them in tracking healthy bedtime behaviours – like winding down and going to bed at the same time each night – so they can spot habits that may be de-railing their sleep