Singer/songwriter Warren Zevon’s proclamation — “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” — became a mantra to many who believed that sleep was a waste of time. But now, even former presidents and technology entrepreneurs who once believed that sleep was for the lazy and “unnecessary” adhere to the body of science that shows that sleep is vital to one’s health, well-being and productivity.
The National Safety Council estimates that more than 43% of workers are sleep-deprived, and, since fatigued employees are less productive, this results in an estimated $1,200 to $3,100 in losses per employee every year. A recent scientific report published by nature.com concludes that sleep deprivation poses a significant challenge across various sectors, particularly in the construction industry. This issue not only affects the health and safety of workers, but also their overall job efficiency.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting enough sleep can help individuals:
• Get sick less often
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce stress and improve mood
• Improve heart health and metabolism
• Lower the risk of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke
• Reduce the risk of motor vehicle crashes and related injury or death
• Improve attention and memory to better perform daily activities
For adults, the CDC recommends sleeping seven or more hours a night.
To help make a good night’s sleep happen, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends a threestep process:
1. Practice healthy habits including going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, getting at least 30 minutes of sunlight daily, exercising regularly, and avoiding caffeine, nicotine, alcoholic drinks and large meals before bed.
2. Create a good sleeping environment, with a comfortable mattress and pillow, cool room temperature, and a lack of distractions such as noise and bright lights.
3. Take time to relax before going to bed, such as with a hot bath, book or music, and be sure to turn off electronic devices.
Encouraging your employees to be well-rested is a win-win. Sleep improves overall health, increases productivity, and reduces risks.
