Does your job leave you feeling exhausted and irritable? If so, then you aren’t alone. Chronic sleep deprivation is an issue across a wide range of professions and has been linked to numerous adverse work outcomes. It’s ironic that some jobs involving the highest potential for harm are also those that are known for sleep deprivation. Publications in the Journal of Sleep Research have shown that a lack of sleep significantly contributes to work absenteeism and occupational accidents. Moreover, there is a correlation between sleeping less and working longer hours. This pattern seems to continue to manifest as more people choose to work from home or in hybrid office situations where they are permanently online or semi-available. This made us wonder, what are the jobs that wreak havoc on sleep, and what can we do about it? Check out our findings below. Professions Struggling To Sleep Do you struggle to sleep more than seven hours a day on average? If so, then you would be classified as sleep-deprived. Slumber Yard, a leading mattress review company, did its own research and compiled a list of the jobs most prone to sleep deprivation. Check out if your current occupation is on the list, which includes the percentage of workers classed as sleep-deprived: Farming, fishing, and forestry – 31.3% Primary, secondary and special education employees – 32.5% Librarians, curators, and archivists – 30.3% Counselors, social workers, and social service specialists – 34% Religious workers – 22.4% Life, physical and social technicians – 41.8% Computer specialists – 33.6% Mathematical science occupations – 38.1% Drafters, engineering, and mapping technicians – 40.5% Architects, surveyors, and cartographers – 36.2% Engineers – 32.2% Sales supervisors and workers – 36% Sales representatives – 35.4% Retail sales employees – 34.4% Legal support – 37.5% Lawyers and judges – 32.9% Construction workers – 34.5% Construction tradespeople – 34.6% Extraction workers – 34.6% Chief and executive managers – 36.3% Art and design employees – 39% Entertainers and sportspeople – 34.8% Media and communication employees – 33.6% Building cleaning and pest control employees – 38.2% Financial specialists – 36% Business operations specialists – 36% Communications equipment operators – 58.2% Material scheduling, recording, and distribution workers – 44.6% Bookers, auditing clerks, and accountants – 36% Vehicle mechanics and repairers – 36% Transportation, tourism, and lodging attendants – 36.4% Personal care and childcare workers – 38.5% Rail transportation employees – 54% Firefighters and prevention workers – 45.8% Law enforcement – 39.8% Food preparation and serving supervisors – 48.9% Health technicians – 40.4% Nurses and home health aids – 43.3% Occupational and physical therapist assistants – 32.8% Printing workers – 50.9% Plant and system operators – 49.6% Anyone that is a new parent knows that they should also have made the list for being sleep deprived. However, this list shows the colossal variance in professions that struggle the most with lack of sleep. How To Get Better Sleep Struggling to get enough shuteye is not simply a case of looking our best for a day in the office. For decades, sleep scientists have known that sleep problems like insomnia or excessive sleepiness amongst shift workers doubles the likelihood of depression and increases the risk of ulcers by fourfold. We should be prioritizing our need for sleep the same way that we would other aspects of our wellbeing, including a healthy diet, exercise, and mental health. Here are a few ideas to try to improve your sleeping pattern. Predictable Shifts Shift work has often been correlated with sleep deprivation and negative health outcomes. Try to see if you can stick to a set shift, regardless of the time of day, so that your body and your lifestyle can maintain a routine. Set The Mood Regardless of when you go to bed, try to follow the same routine. Limit your screen time, darken your bedroom and wear a mask and earplugs if necessary. Turn your phone off and put a note on your doorbell if needed. Do whatever it takes to stretch out your ability to fall asleep and remain asleep. Ask For Help Continuing on your quest to be a supermom won’t help with your stress or your ability to sleep. If you are trying to juggle your job and care for loved ones at home, then it can feel like there is never adequate time. However, it is integral for your own well-being to know when to ask others for help. If you are caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, then there is a large senior household outside of Seattle that may be the perfect fit for your family. Expert Advice If poor sleep is affecting your performance at work and your relationships at home, then it might be time to seek expert advice. This is particularly true if you have been struggling to get adequate sleep for a month or longer. Your doctor might be able to prescribe sleep medication that can help or refer you to a specialist. If you are battling to get enough sleep and it is affecting other aspects of your life, then it is time to reach out and get the help you deserve. Sleep deprivation can lead to numerous genuine health problems, so it is integral to give your shuteye priority regardless of how busy you may be.
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