Have you ever seen the television commercial that shows how one’s vision and coordination becomes distorted after one, then two, then three alcoholic drinks? Well, there are also studies that suggest that the effects of sleep deprivation are similar to alcohol impairment. The  National Sleep Foundation cites a study which shows “people who were awake for up to 19 hours scored substantially worse on performance and alertness than those who were legally intoxicated.21” (p. 12) . Furthermore, this level of deprivation can occur quickly, after as little as one night of disturbed sleep.

Drowsiness or sleepiness can reduce productivity and in some jobs, it can pose a safety risk. To combat this problem, organizations may offer employees the option to flex working hours. Angus Loten writes about a company that allows sleepy employees to change the start time for their day. This is not an option for all employers, nor would all employers want to offer this, however, some standard practices that encourage wakefulness can be supported in the workplace.

When fatigue poses a security risk, most organizations already have policies in place to deal with it. However, when it does not pose a safety concern, it may go unaddressed. Factors such as dehydration can contribute to fatigue, so steps such as providing easy access to water coolers, giving out reusable bottles and providing non-caffeinated alternatives to office coffee may help.

Not only does sleep deprivation have immediate effects, chronic sleep deprivation is also linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and immune system function.  Thus, in today’s world of high health care costs, encouraging healthy sleeping habits is beneficial.

Sleep experts advise “Lifestyle changes, such as decreasing caffeine and alcohol intake, adjusting exercise, regulating not only diet but the amount and time we eat (contrary to conventional wisdom, heavy meals actually keep us awake), and stopping smoking all can contribute to more regular sleep patterns. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that can make it difficult to sleep, and nicotine also may cause nightmares” Pg 19, writes The National Sleep Foundation. Thus, employers can offer tobacco cessation support and organize exercise opportunities such as walking programs for the lunch hour or after work time period.

What else could be done at the organizational level? Some organizations go as far as offering a place where employees can grab a power nap in the afternoon while others bring in sleep educators to inform employees about ways to ensure a restful night of shut-eye.

References:

Loten, Angus. “The Nightmare of Too Little Sleep.” Inc. [http://www.inc.com]. April 13, 2008.

National Sleep Foundation. Sleep-Wake Cycle: Its Physiology and Impact on Health. Washington DC: National Sleep Foundation. Obtained October 27, 2009.

“Sleep: A Necessity, Not a Luxury.” HealthDay News. HealthyOntario.com. 2008.