Sleeping on the job

One-Third Of Workers Fall Asleep On The Job
Some Companies Offer Workers A Nap Room
(CBS4)

Lack of sleep resulting in exhaustion is one of the most serious health- related problems in the workplace. It has also been shown that sleep deprivation is a major cause of under- productivity, absenteeism and workplace accidents.

According to the National Sleep Foundation sleep deprivation and sleep disorders are estimated to cost Americans over $100-billion annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave, and property and environmental damage.

Dr. Alex Chediak, a sleep expert at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach, attributes people sleeping on the job to people's heavy workload.

"Americans are generally sleep deprived. It's quite clear the trend is short sleep, longer workdays," added Dr. Chediak.

Accordingly, he said the average American sleeps about six hours a night; a generation ago, Americans were sleeping eight to nine hours. One possible solution might be a simple nap.

"The nap time is critical. Less than 30 minutes, certainly less than 20 minutes, is refreshing," said Dr. Chediak.

He suggests getting up at the same time every morning, along with going to bed at the same time.

At least eight hours of sleep is recommended, and if necessary, a short nap or walking around if sleepiness continues.