The link between employee sleep and productivity
It's no big secret that American adults are sleep deprived. In fact, it's such an important piece of overall health and productivity that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seven or more hours of sleep per night for optimal well-being.
But one in three Americans are lacking the sleep they need, according to the CDC.
The true cost of employees who are sleep deprived
Poor sleep habits are associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and more. On top of that, the Sleep Foundation found that sleep deprivation can lead to $136.4 billion worth of lost productivity each calendar year.
Not only do we need to get enough sleep, we need quality sleep, too. A poor night of sleep leaves us feeling tired even after getting enough sleep, and it can be caused by waking up frequently during the night, snoring or gasping for air.
Snoring could be more than just a habit; it may be a sign of sleep apnea.
This sleep disorder, affecting nearly 30 million Americans, can reduce or stop normal breathing and momentarily interrupts sleep. Anyone experiencing loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, or any of these other symptoms should talk to their primary care provider.
Get solutions for supporting your sleep-deprived employees
When your employees aren't sleeping well, they're not their best selves. The Wellmark Well-being team can help with proven solutions that motivate employees to change the behaviors holding them back and engage them in their health. Reach out today.
When should employees consider a sleep study?
If an employees' PCP has ruled out other potential causes of disrupted sleep, like a nasal obstruction, they may recommend a sleep study. Overnight sleep studies measure several things like breathing rate, blood oxygen level and heart rate, and can be completed at home in most cases.
Home or facility-based sleep study?
While sleep studies completed in a hospital, sleep center or at home all provide a complete evaluation of sleep, there are considerations your employees should keep in mind:
- Comfort. Home-based studies can provide an extra layer of comfort they may not find in a facility.
- Cost. This is one of the biggest differences. A home-based sleep study can cost a few hundred dollars, while a facility-based sleep study can cost up to thousands.
In some cases, a facility-based study may be considered medically necessary for people with certain medical conditions or if the provider suspects a disorder other than sleep apnea.
Tips for healthy sleep habits
Help your employees get the sleep they need by learning how to encourage good sleep in the workplace and sharing these tips to a better night of sleep:
- Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends.
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing and at a comfortable temperature.
- Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers and smart phones, from the bedroom.
- Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
- Avoid tobacco/nicotine.
- Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
Interested in discussing this topic with a Wellmark employer well-being consultant? Contact a consultant today.