US Workers Not Getting Enough Sleep
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has released a study that shows that US workers do not get an adequate amount of sleep.
According to Dr. Sara Luckhaupt, lead author of the study, 41 million American workers do not get an adequate amount of sleep. Dr. Luckhaupt also noted that night shift workers, those who have more than 1 job, and those who work more than 40 hours a week are particularly susceptible to getting an insufficient amount of quality sleep. As recommended by the National Sleep Foundation, adults should have seven to nine hours of sleep daily.
The study found that 44% of night shift workers do not get an adequate amount of sleep compared to 29% of those who work during the day getting inadequate sleep. The kind of work a person has also affects their sleep. Those working in warehouses and the transport industry are the ones who most often have sleep deprivation or sleep disorders. Dr. Luckhaupt indicated that night work and sleeping during the daytime disrupts the circadian rhythm or the natural sleep cycle.
Sleep deprivation causes work related accidents, injuries and even death. Efficiency and performance are also greatly affected. Overall health of those who have sleep disorders are also at risk. These workers can suffer cardiovascular problems, weight increases or obesity, diabetes, hypertension and depression.
Employers can help in controlling this sleep situation. Dr. Luckhaupt says that shifts should not start very early in the morning. Rotating shifts should go from an evening shift to a night one and not the other way around. Companies can also help in the promotion of good sleep habits. They should encourage employees to have a uniform sleep and waking time daily, have a quiet environment for sleeping and not watch TV or eat a big meal prior to sleeping.
Despite of such revelations from studies about sleep deprivation and sleep disorders, people are still not giving importance to getting the required number of sleep hours, according to Shelby Freedman Harris, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program in New York City. Harris says that the American workers are individuals who are sleep deprived. He also said that there are remedies on how to lessen sleep issues but people have to know them and companies to implement them.
Harris says that having strategically located bright lights during work hours can help. Lights should be dimmed towards the end of the work hours. Sunglasses should be work when coming out from the workplace in the morning. A nap is also a method to get some quality sleep. Since it is difficult to sleep long during day time, some people plan nap times. Restructuring sleep time is also another method to offset the lack of night time sleep. Companies should also allow employees to have enough time between shift changes and at least allow workers to have a full night’s sleep.
