The occupational impact of insomnia

Insomnia affecting shift workers is a recognised condition known as shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), but the cost of lost sleep extends beyond those who work non-traditional hours. It has an estimated impact on the UK’s economy of around £50 billion.

A recently published study from caba has found that one in three chartered accountants have suffered from insomnia or disrupted sleep over the past 12 months. The report also found a concerning prevalence of chronic stress within the profession. Almost 3 in 4 of respondents said they had experienced a form of burnout over the past 12 months

We spend about a third of our lives asleep, and most of us need between seven and nine hours to function effectively. Sleep deprivation has emerged as a significant challenge in today’s working world.

The occupational impact of insomnia

Inadequate or poor-quality sleep diminishes cognitive function and significantly affects physical and mental wellbeing. This includes:

• Mental health challenges: in the short-term lack of sleep can increase stress and irritability. Over time, it can contribute to anxiety or depression.Health problems: there are well-established links between a lack of sleep and serious health concerns such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
• Increase in work-related hazards: sleeping less than seven hours per night is associated with impaired performance, increased errors, and greater risk of accidents, according to a consensus on the amount of sleep required for healthy adults.
• Affects work performance: contributes to poor concentration or poor memory, making you less creative, and making it more difficult to stay focused on important projects.

The role of occupational health in promoting better sleep

The first step is to identify the occupational factors that interfere with sleep, such as shift work, occupational stressors, or commuting.

Working in a global business can mean traveling across time zones or, increasingly, participating in virtual meetings outside of the 9 to 5. Blue light emitted by laptops, tablets, and smartphones affects our circadian rhythms and suppresses melatonin production.

“We ask about sleep quality and quantity and also daytime somnolence routinely, as poor sleep has such an impact on so many aspects of health,” explains GP London W1’s Dr Justine Setchell.

“We regularly refer people to sleep clinics to exclude sleep apnoea and whether CPAP is needed. It’s not just for overweight middle-aged men, as slim people can suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea, too! This can be life-changing for patients.”

Other recommendations include offering flexible hours or remote work or promoting the importance of breaks during the working day.

Our doctor-led Occupational Health service delivers essential benefits to companies and their employees. It is tailored to each individual company, its specific industry, and the unique demands of its employees.

Call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 to discuss our Occupational Health service in more detail.