The Most Sleep-Deprived Jobs
December 16, 2019
We all have nights when we did not get enough sleep and we go to work the next morning feeling exhausted, unfocused, and stressed. Unfortunately, for some workers, it appears as though being sleep-deprived is part of the job. According to a study that was published recently in the Journal of Community Health, more workers in this country suffer from sleep-deprivation, but service workers, including police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and military workers, had the highest prevalence of sleep deprivation compared to other groups of workers. In fact, roughly half of these workers reported short sleep duration in 2018. These results are concerning, since these workers are responsible for other people’s health, safety, and well-being.
In addition to protective service workers and military workers, other groups that often suffer from chronic sleep deprivation include health care support workers, including home health aides, psychiatric aides, and nursing aides; transportation workers, including truck drivers and air traffic controllers; and production workers, including quality control inspectors and power-plant operators, according to the Department of Labor. Many of these jobs have an impact on public health, so it is crucial that these individuals get adequate sleep on a regular basis.
Impact of Sleep Deprivation
Another study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association discussed the impact that sleep deprivation has on law enforcement and health care workers. These workers tend to witness violence, bloodshed, illness, and death on a regular basis. It is part of their job. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to let that all go and unwind when they get home. The study found that there was a link between sleep disorders in law enforcement officers and an increased risk of negative health, safety, and performance outcomes.
According to the lead author of the study published in the Journal of Community Health, shift work is often associated with sleep disorders. There are guidelines that have been prescribed for shift workers that specify the number of hours that they should be on duty. The guidelines were created to improve the safety and occupational health of the workers.
Some of the possible causes of sleep deprivation are likely due to the constant use of electronic devices, workplace stress, and an increase in multiple chronic conditions. Employers who recognize this and take steps to offer stress management programs, smoking cessation programs, and encourage healthy sleep, diet, and exercise habits often have employees that are well-rested, healthier, and more productive.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Workers Suffering from Sleep Deprivation
If you were seriously injured at work, and you suffer from sleep deprivation caused by the stressful conditions of your job, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will work closely with you to determine what is preventing you from getting adequate sleep. Our skilled and compassionate legal team will walk you through the claims process and ensure that you receive the maximum financial benefits you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients throughout Maryland.
