Overview: Highlight the connection between sleep and productivity, showing how proper rest can improve focus, decision-making, reduce workplace accidents and support overall performance in heavy industry jobs.
It is estimated that we spend almost a third of our lives sleeping! A healthy amount of sleep is needed for our brain to function at its peak. Much like hunger for food, your body craves sleep which builds throughout the day as we approach night time, governed by our circadian rhythm (or biological clock). We all know the feeling of being foggy after a poor night’s sleep, which is why we can’t function properly when we’re living off poor quality or not enough sleep. At work, deprivation of sleep affects mental and physical performance, cognitive function, reaction time and decision making.
How much sleep do we really need?
Research suggests aiming for around 7-9 hours of sleep, but what if we work night shift or you’re a ‘light sleeper’ and how is this impacting our ability to work and function at our best? The quality of sleep you’re having is also very important which in some individuals, may equate to less hours of sleep (some people known as ‘elite sleepers’ which could be down to their genes – can function optimally on less sleep compared to others).
Lack of sleep impacts our brain and body function
Sleep is a complex and dynamic process in the brain, we know it’s not passive as there is a lot of activity during this time. The brain plays almost a ‘housekeeping’ role that removes toxins in your brain that build up while you are awake. Research also shows that lack of sleep affects almost every type of tissue and system in the body—from the brain, heart, and lungs to metabolism, immune function, mood, and disease resistance. A chronic lack of sleep, or getting poor quality sleep, increases the risk of health problems like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity.
Physical jobs need adequate sleep for repair of the body, working a 12 hour labour intensive job means your body needs the right amount and quality rest to be at your best.
Insufficient sleep has been shown to impact the hormones responsible for muscle repair and recovery. For example, it can cause a reduction in testosterone and Human Growth Hormone (a hormone responsible for tissue repair and muscle growth).
Working on minimal sleep (even a couple of nights of 1 – 2 hours loss) is like working while you’re under the influence as fatigue resulting from reduced sleep can reduce muscle strength, impact balance, and stability, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Sleep is one of the foundational pillars of health and wellness, prioritising sleep – particularly quality sleep is of utmost importance to foster workplace health and safety.
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