
Sleep deprivation may mean different things for different
people BUT the one sure thing is that it’s not good. Lack of shut eye is linked
to some major health issues including an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, obesity and depression. And guess what? Lack of sleep can cause accidents!
In the workplace, that’s a problem. Consider these points.
Sleep deprived workers communicate less, have slower response times, decreased vigilance,
lack focus, make more mistakes, experience short term or working memory loss,
exhibit inappropriate moodiness and the inability to adjust and are likely to
take greater risks. And let’s talk about driving impairment. Twenty-two hours
of sleep deprivation results in neurobehavioral performance impairments that
are comparable to an 0.08 percent blood alcohol level.
In this 24/7 world we live in, everyone is trying to do
more, faster, harder, non-stop. At one time, not so long ago, being able to
function on only a few hours of sleep was like a badge of honor; gave you
bragging rights. That’s not a badge I want to wear anymore. There’s too much at
stake – for me and for my co-workers.
The National Safety Council just unveiled a Fatigue Cost
Calculator tool to help address workers’ fatigue levels and begin to address
sleep disorders. Input the type of industry, number of employees and the shifts
they work and the tool calculates the annual costs of sleep disorders. And, oh,
by the way, the estimated cost to U.S. employers is estimated (by one source)
as about $18 billion!
NSC and Brigham Health (who partnered with NSC on this
project) know it’s about a lot more than the money. In addition to using the
tool, employers should establish sleep education programs and voluntary
screening for sleep disorders. Employers need to recognize sleep disorders as a
true health problem. Otherwise it won’t be a matter of if your workplace has a sleep deprived related accident but when and to what consequence.
Peaceful dreams.
Posted by MJ Thomas