According to the World Health Organisation, 2 out of 3 of us do not get the recommended 8 hours of sleep each night.
Poor sleep can have a negative impact on our health as we need sleep for our bodies to repair and to restore ourselves.
A lack of sleep can increase risk of dementia, osteoporosis, depression and diabetes.
Whilst the amount of sleep needed can vary from person to person, an adult sleeping only 6.75 hours a night would be predicted to live only to their early 60s without medical intervention.
Driving a car when you have had less than five hours’ sleep makes you are 4.3 times more likely to be involved in a crash. If you drive having had four hours, you are 11.5 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
Impact of poor sleep on the workplace
Lack of sleep affects performance as well, with less productivity in the workplace and an increased risk of workplace accidents.
Sleep month takes place during March.
Encourage staff to look at their sleeping habits and get a good night’s rest by:
- avoiding screen time 1 to 2 hours before going to bed
- avoiding alcohol close to bed time - it may help you to fall asleep but could stop you getting good quality sleep
- managing your stress, as this can make it harder to get to sleep
- cutting down on caffeine
- eating a balanced diet
- keeping active
- checking your mattress. An uncomfortable mattress can make for poor sleep, it's recommended that you change your mattress every 8 to 10 years.
Find more tips on getting a good night sleep
Businesses can also help staff to sleep better by:
- avoiding out of hours phone calls and emails
- managing shift rotas to allow proper rest between work shifts
- allowing fresh air in the workplace
- taking breaks to help manage people’s energy levels in the day so that they are awake whilst at work and rest at home