Many workplace injuries are caused by a lack of focus while on the job. Whether you are operating heavy machinery, driving a vehicle, or using cutting tools, you are far more likely to make a mistake when the task you are doing does not have your full attention. Workers who utilize potentially hazardous tools and equipment are more likely to be injured when they are not 100% focused. There are many reasons why workers may not be fully focused, but one of the main reasons is lack of sleep. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation inhibits cognitive functions, such as alertness and attention. It can cause slow responsiveness and a wake state of instability. Attention lapses, “brief moments of inattentiveness”, are the main reasons for a decrease in cognitive function due to sleep deprivation. Imagine trying to operate potentially dangerous tools or equipment, such as a knife, with brief moments of inattentiveness. A worker may accidentally slice a finger or drop the knife onto their foot. The possibilities are endless. 

Unfortunately, sleep deprivation is a common reality amongst working adults. According to the American Sleep Association, more than 35% of adults sleep less than 7 hours in a 24 hour period. However, 7-9 hours of sleep a night is recommended in order to have full cognitive abilities. Adults 20-59, the prime working age, are the largest age group to report short sleeping durations. While the rates may vary from population to population and are affected by other factors, such as alcoholism, the fact is that over one third of Americans are not getting enough sleep. This unsettling statistic shows that there are most likely millions of Americans operating dangerous equipment in the workplace with a lack of sleep and attention lapses. This is dangerous to not only the worker with sleep deprivation, but also to all of the employees who work with them. 

If you are someone who suffers with sleep deprivation, do not brush it off. Sleep deprivation should be taken seriously. Here are some tips to help you get the right amount of sleep at night.

1. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, and unnecessary over the counter medication. These substances can cause fragmented sleep.

2. Calm yourself down before bedtime. Whether it is yoga, meditation, a hot shower, or calming music, get yourself into a relaxed state of mind before trying to sleep.

3. Do not watch TV or read in the bedroom. If you only associate your bedroom with your bed and sleeping, your body will know that it is time to go to sleep when you get into bed.

4. Cut out the day time naps. Sleeping during the day will make it more difficult to get the 7-9 hours of continuous sleep that adults need. 

5. Do not sleep more than the set amount of time you need to sleep, which should be between the 7 and 9 hour timeframe if you are an adult. 

6. If you are still having trouble, consider talking to a doctor about your sleep deprivation.