Sleep Study Shows Workers Falling Asleep on the Job

Back to HomePage
Updated: 7:57 PM Mar 3, 2008 Sleep Study Shows Workers Falling Asleep on the Job It is National Sleep Awareness Week. A new study shows more people are snoozing on the job. That's because we just are not getting enough sleep. Posted: 6:49 PM Mar 3, 2008 Reporter: Cheryn Stone Email Address: cheryn.stone@wcav.tv

Font Size:

March 3, 2008

It is National Sleep Awareness Week. A new study shows more people are snoozing on the job. That's because we just are not getting enough sleep.

Being sleepy at work can lead to problems concentrating or with productivity, but there are some other problems associated with not getting enough sleep.

Most people need between seven and eight hours of sleep every night. A new poll from the National Sleep Foundation shows we're only getting about six and half hours on weekdays.

The study highlights the link between working tired and poor performance.

Assistant Professor of Medicine at UVa, Dr. Cynthia Brown says, "About one in three workers report that sleepiness prevents them from being productive at work. This includes problems concentrating, difficulty completing their tasks and they report this is happening several days a week."

Complicating it further, many drive drowsy. The time to commute to work is increasing for many. One in three people say they've fallen asleep while driving.

In some situations, driving while fatigued can be just as serious as driving drunk. Dr. Brown says the best way to get a good night’s sleep is to create a good sleep space. A dark, cool room helps.

If you're getting seven or more good hours of solid sleep and you're still tired, then you might be dealing with more than just being sleepy.

"Some symptoms of a true sleep disorder are if you're having trouble staying awake during work and find yourself drifting off when you perform activities that require concentration," Dr. Brown says.

As far as fixing the problem of workplace fatigue, there is one solution that many might be happy to hear about.

Dr. Brown says, "Some employers are actually allowing employees to take naps on their breaks because they find it actually increases productivity."

Dr. Brown adds that a lack of sleep can be associated with health problems like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Linda A. Coleman Location: Atlanta on Mar 16, 2011 at 07:09 AM

Humans need sleep. Sleep restores energy, allowing the body to function day after day. Not getting enough sleep can be harmful. Lack of sleep, or sleep deprivation, has been linked to a variety of negative health effects, such as poor memory, compromised immune system function, high blood pressure, irritability, dizziness, and headaches. The amount of sleep people need varies, but commonly it is recommended that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Other risks associated with lack of sleep include weight-gain and obesity. So for individuals looking to lose weight, getting sufficient sleep is especially important. BR, Linda Coleman, Medical Assistant Phlebotomist Jobs from phlebotomy jobs

Click here to post or read all 1 comments.

Live News	Weather Now	Desktop Alert
Mobile	iPhone App	Text Alerts
Facebook	Twitter	YouTube