On average, parents lose about 133 nights of sleep before their child turns one (parents.com). It is no surprise that this sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on work productivity, as well as reported wellbeing, and mental health.
Research has shown that sleep-deprived individuals experience decreased cognitive function, impaired decision-making, and reduced concentration, all of which can negatively affect performance in the workplace. Sleep deprivation affects various cognitive functions essential for workplace productivity. Research indicates that sleep loss impairs attention, memory, and problem-solving skills, making it difficult for individuals to focus on tasks, retain information, and make effective decisions. Additionally, insufficient sleep can lead to mood disturbances, such as irritability and anxiety, which can further hinder performance and interpersonal interactions in the workplace.
There have been many studies conducted into the specific impact of sleep deprivation on work performance. Below is a summary of some of the key findings.
Attention and Concentration: A study published in the journal Sleep found that sleep deprivation significantly impairs sustained attention and vigilance, affecting individuals' ability to stay focused on tasks (Killgore, 2010).
Memory: Research published in the journal Nature Neuroscience demonstrated that sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, and sleep deprivation disrupts this process, leading to impaired memory performance (Yoo et al., 2007).
Problem-solving Skills: A study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that sleep-deprived individuals struggle with problem-solving tasks, exhibiting reduced flexibility and creativity in finding solutions (Harrison & Horne, 2000).
Mood Disturbances: Research published in the Journal of Sleep Research showed that sleep deprivation is associated with increased irritability and negative mood states, which can impact interpersonal relationships and teamwork in the workplace (Pilcher et al., 1997).
Statistics
Lost Productivity: According to a report by the National Sleep Foundation, sleep-deprived employees in the United States cost their employers an estimated $63 billion in lost productivity each year due to absenteeism and presenteeism (Rosekind et al., 2010).
Work Accidents: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that sleep-deprived workers are at a higher risk of workplace accidents, with one study estimating that sleep problems contribute to approximately 274,000 workplace accidents and errors annually (Swanson et al., 2011).
Impact on Decision-making: Research from Harvard Medical School suggests that sleep deprivation can impair decision-making abilities, with sleep-deprived individuals being more likely to make risky and suboptimal choices compared to those who are well-rested (Killgore et al., 2008).
Underperformance: Many parents with children under the age of 18 report that sleepiness interferes with their daily activities, including work. This indicates that a significant portion of parents may be at risk of underperforming at their jobs due to sleep deprivation caused by their children's sleep disturbances.
Impact of sleep deprivation in different work fields
While the impact varies, it is not disputed that sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects on performance, safety, and overall well-being. Here's a breakdown of how sleep deprivation can affect various professions:
Corporate Professionals: Sleep deprivation among corporate professionals, such as executives, managers, and office workers, can result in reduced productivity, creativity, and decision-making abilities. Chronic sleep deprivation may also lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and increased absenteeism.
Healthcare Professionals: Sleep-deprived healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, are at a higher risk of making medical errors, jeopardising patient safety. Sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, decision-making, and reaction times, which are critical in high-stress medical environments.
Transportation Workers: Pilots, truck drivers, and train operators who suffer from sleep deprivation are at an increased risk of accidents and errors due to impaired alertness and attention. Sleep-related accidents in the transportation industry can have serious consequences for both workers and the public.
Manufacturing and Industrial Workers: Sleep-deprived workers in manufacturing and industrial settings are more prone to accidents, injuries, and errors, especially in jobs that require operating heavy machinery or performing intricate tasks. Fatigue-related incidents can have significant financial and safety implications for employers.
Overall, sleep deprivation poses risks to workers in various industries, highlighting the importance of promoting healthy sleep habits and creating supportive work environments that prioritise employee well-being.
Impact on mothers vs fathers
Research suggests that mothers typically experience more sleep disturbances and greater sleep deprivation compared to fathers during the early stages of parenthood, particularly during the first few months after a child's birth. Mothers often bear the primary responsibility for nighttime caregiving, including breastfeeding and soothing the infant back to sleep, which can result in fragmented and reduced sleep. Fathers, while also affected by their child's sleep patterns, may not experience sleep disruptions to the same extent as mothers, especially if they are not directly involved in nighttime caregiving tasks. However, the extent of sleep deprivation can vary depending on factors such as parental roles, support networks, and individual circumstances. Overall, both mothers and fathers may experience sleep disturbances and fatigue during the transition to parenthood.
Sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on maternal mental health. Research has shown that mothers who experience sleep disturbances due to their infants' sleep patterns are at a higher risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety disorders. Sleep deprivation exacerbates stress levels and impairs coping mechanisms, making it more challenging for mothers to regulate their emotions and maintain mental wellbeing. Furthermore, inadequate sleep can lead to increased irritability, mood swings, and feelings of overwhelm, all of which contribute to maternal mental health struggles. It's crucial for new mothers to prioritise sleep and seek support to mitigate the negative effects of sleep deprivation on their mental health.
What can employers do?
If you are suffering sleep deprivation due to your child not sleeping, approach your employer to see whether they would support you in seeking our help to improve your child’s sleep. Keep an eye out for our upcoming post on how employers can assist their employees with the return to work after children in terms of sleep.
Sources
Harrison, Y., & Horne, J. A. (2000). The impact of sleep deprivation on decision making: A review. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 6(3), 236–249. https://doi.org/10.1037/1076-898X.6.3.236
Killgore, W. D., Kahn-Greene, E. T., Lipizzi, E. L., Newman, R. A., Kamimori, G. H., & Balkin, T. J. (2008). Sleep deprivation reduces perceived emotional intelligence and constructive thinking skills. Sleep medicine, 9(5), 517–526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2007.07.003
Killgore W. D. (2010). Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Progress in brain research, 185, 105–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00007-5
Paruthi, S., Brooks, L. J., D'Ambrosio, C., Hall, W. A., Kotagal, S., Lloyd, R. M., Malow, B. A., Maski, K., Nichols, C., Quan, S. F., Rosen, C. L., Troester, M. M., & Wise, M. S. (2016). Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine on the Recommended Amount of Sleep for Healthy Children: Methodology and Discussion. Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 12(11), 1549–1561. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6288
Pilcher, J. J., & Walters, A. S. (1997). How sleep deprivation affects psychological variables related to college students' cognitive performance. Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 46(3), 121–126. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448489709595597
Rosekind, M. R., Gregory, K. B., Mallis, M. M., Brandt, S. L., Seal, B., & Lerner, D. (2010). The cost of poor sleep: workplace productivity loss and associated costs. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, 52(1), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181c78c30
Swanson, L. M., Arnedt, J. T., Rosekind, M. R., Belenky, G., Balkin, T. J., & Drake, C. (2011). Sleep disorders and work performance: findings from the 2008 National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America poll. Journal of sleep research, 20(3), 487–494. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2869.2010.00890.x
Yoo, S. S., Hu, P. T., Gujar, N., Jolesz, F. A., & Walker, M. P. (2007). A deficit in the ability to form new human memories without sleep. Nature neuroscience, 10(3), 385–392. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1851
コメント