How Inadequate Sleep Can Reduce Workplace Productivity

According to a new report entitled ‘Asleep on the Job’, an estimated 7.4 million Australian adults (a whopping four out of 10) do not regularly get the sleep they need.

This is an alarming figure.

The report, by the Sleep Health Foundation and released this week by Deloitte Access Economics, found the effects of sleep deprivation are not only wide-ranging but, in some cases, devastating.

Indeed, sleeplessness can be so serious it can result in substantially reduced workplace productivity and a significant corresponding lack of efficiency - mainly through absenteeism and ‘presenteeism’ (presenting at work, but not working to full capacity).

Ongoing lack of sleep can also lead to even more serious consequences such as fatalities – for example, falling asleep while driving, or industrial accidents due to lack of sleep.

Indeed, the report states that lack of sleep resulted in 3,017 deaths in Australia in 2016-17.

This is because sleep disorders such as insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) are also known to cause heart disease, obesity, depression and a range of other serious health conditions.

Unfortunately, the situation is now so serious that the total cost of sleeplessness in in Australia was estimated at $66.3 billion in 2016-17.

This includes $26.2 billion in financial costs - made up of a health bill of $1.8 billion and lost productivity costs of $17.9 billion.

This figure also includes $6.7 billion in costs arising for employees underperforming on the job (presenteeism).

Other financial costs include home carer costs of $0.6 billion, and $5.9 billion in ‘deadweight’ losses like welfare payments and missed tax revenue.

The remaining $40.1 billion covers the cost of the loss of wellbeing, which is estimated to be $5,420 per person with inadequate sleep.

Obviously, educating people and raising awareness of the benefits of sleep is fundamental in reducing the incidence of sleep deprivation in Australia.

In the same way as the dangers of drink driving have been heavily broadcast in the past 20 or 30 years, the risks involved with ‘drowsy driving’, or driving tired, should also be actively promoted to the public by authorities and governments.

To help reduce the incidence of sleeplessness, the report recommends Work Health and Safety authorities tighten regulations in work sectors where sleep is irregular, but responsibility is high; such as defence, transport and health.

It also advocates new regulations be brought in to limit excessive work hours, and encourage lighter, brighter building designs; which are proven to help keep staff more alert.

Other areas targeted by the report for increased attention include:

1. More research on the causes of primary sleep disorders

2. Encouraging prevention and early detection

3. Enhancing the development and implementation of cost-effective treatment for sleep problems

4. Reducing smoking, obesity and other lifestyle causes of daytime sleepiness.

Obviously, for things to change, there needs to be a concerted effort by the Government, industry, the workforce, the public and scientific community.

This involves educating people and raising awareness of the benefits of sleep - as well as supporting further research and monitoring in the areas of sleep and sleeplessness.

Hopefully this report, chaired by respected academic and sleep psychologist Professor Dorothy Bruck of the Sleep Health Foundation, will be the catalyst needed to instigate these changes.

Lastly, I can wholeheartedly recommend the next AIM WA Best Self Luncheon series to be held on Tuesday September 5, 2017.

It is all about sleeping better for health, wellbeing and productivity - and is well worth attending for anyone with an interest in this topic.

For more information go to: aimwa.com

(Program & Events: Seminars: Your Best Self)