Quick Summary: Employers should reach out to workers who are visibly tired or show symptoms of a sleep disorder. “Lack of sleep affects mood, can cause interpersonal conflicts, fatigue and daytime sleepiness leading to problems maintaining attention, concentration and memory,” says Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO, director of the Cleveland Clinic Sleep Medicine Program and author of Getting a Good Night’s Sleep.
Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer also points out, “Depression and anxiety problems are much more common in people with insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation.”
25% of people say they don’t get enough sleep, and sleepiness interferes with their daily lives, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America poll.
Taking the time to discuss proper sleep practices and strategies for unwinding may pay off in the form of improved productivity and better morale. Here are some sleep deprivation signs to watch for and helpful strategies for promoting a “sleep better, work better” culture.
• Tune in to symptoms. Dozing on the job is an obvious sign of sleep deprivation. But other less obvious signs include making mistakes excessively or difficulty interacting with coworkers. Short temperedness and anxiety are also clues that a person is not getting enough rest to think clearly. “People with chronic lack of sleep are at a higher risk for occupational hazards and motor vehicle accidents,” Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says.
• Discuss sleep habits. Powering through life without enough sleep is no reason for reward, though our culture praises lack of sleep with mantras like, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” How about sleeping tonight? Explain to employees various examples of poor sleep practices: using alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco within 4 to 6 hours of bedtime; not adhering to an established bedtime; and using electronics such as TVs in the bedroom.
• Plan a “relax” event. One-third of Americans are losing sleep over the state of the U.S. economy and other personal financial concerns, according to a new poll released by the National Sleep Foundation. Poor sleep can negatively impact health and safety. Reserve time for a workplace wellness workshop that focuses on relaxation strategies and stress-reduction exercises so employees can learn to wind down and get some quality sleep.
• Encourage a checkup. If you notice an employee is suffering from lack of sleep, suggest this person see a doctor. “Sleep problems are highly treatable,” Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says.
Next Steps:
• Discuss the importance of a good night’s sleep and explain the negative effects that sleep deprivation has on the workplace.
• Encourage employees to seek a doctor’s advice if sleep is a problem. Emphasize that their health is important to the company and to the success of the whole team.
• Ask your health care provider to supply resources or a speaker to address the topic during a lunch-n-learn or health fair.
• Awareness is the first step toward identifying sleep deprivation in the workplace. Encourage employees to approach a manager if they notice a coworker who displays signs of sleepiness.
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