Sleep Pays Off

September 21, 2011
Written by: Julie Bosche, Filed in: Corporate Wellness Programs, Workplace Safety Programs

When you think workplace safety, sleep is probably not the first thing that comes to mind.

But consider its implications. Without enough sleep, your employees face all kinds of problems at work and at home. They struggle to focus, their health may suffer, and they probably experience stress more acutely.

Moodiness and fatigue may make it hard for them to interact appropriately with coworkers and get their jobs done well. And sleep deprivation leaves them vulnerable to illness, accidents, and injuries.

All of these consequences affect your business, and the potential problems, from decreased quality of work to interpersonal conflict among employees, can do some serious damage to the healthy, well-balanced office atmosphere you’ve worked so hard to create.

Approaching sleep as an important aspect of corporate wellness and employee safety, it’s wise to offer tips on how to change one’s habits in order to improve sleep, not just to cite all the negatives associated with insufficient sleep.

Those who are having trouble in the bedroom (sleeping, of course) are well-versed in the effects of poor sleep. They are more concerned with how to fix the problem. And it is fixable, either by making a few routine adjustments or, in more severe cases, with the help of a doctor or sleep specialist.

Often the solution comes in the form of some simple tips, such as these from The Better Sleep Council:

Pay your sleep debt. Getting even 30 minutes less sleep than your body needs can lead to accumulated sleep debt, which has both short- and long-term consequences for health, mood and performance, both on and off the job. It’s important to schedule 8 hours of sleep each night (7.5 to 8.5 is optimal) and maintain a regular sleep and wake schedule, even on the weekend.

Performance evaluation. Though your mattress may not show physical signs of wear, it loses comfort and support over the years. It’s important to evaluate your mattress every five to seven years to ensure it still provides optimal comfort and support. Research shows that the age of a mattress directly impacts the quality of sleep

Bedroom business. Use your bedroom for sleep and sex only. The bedroom should be an uncluttered environment that is relaxing, comfortable and conducive to sleep and relaxation. Keep work, computers and televisions out of the bedroom!

Kick the caffeine habit. Research shows that caffeine interferes with getting a restful night’s sleep and waking refreshed in the morning. Avoid tea, coffee and soft drinks close to bedtime.