By Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Solutions Northwest, Inc. – Arcata, California

According to a recent Gallup Poll: Americans currently average 6.8 hours of sleep at night and 40% of Americans get less than the recommended amount of sleep. Medical studies have related a lack of sleep to health problems and cognitive impairment. Therefore, experts typically recommend 7 to 9 hours of sleep for adults.

Lack of sleep will undermine your quality of life as well as disrupt your work productivity.

5 signs that lack of sleep may be affecting your job performance:

1. Decreased communication.
2. Performance deteriorates.
3. Increased number of errors.
4. Poor cognitive assimilation and memory.
5. Inability to think flexibly and make adjustments.

Sleep deprivation in the work place will affect productivity levels and quality of work will be compromised. Furthermore, the likelihood of workplace accidents increases when workers are tired.

If you work an irregular shift, such as a rotating shift or night shift, you may need special guidance on how to establish healthy sleeping patterns. Try our recent article with Tips to Survive the Night Shift.

If you work normal hours, the Mayo Clinic recommends these 5 steps for a better night’s sleep:

1. Stick to a sleep schedule.
2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink.
3. Create a restful environment at home.
4. Limit daytime naps.
5. Include physical activity in your daily routine.

Hopefully some of these tips will help your sleeping habits and increase your work productivity. Remember to always listen to your body and be sure to consult with your doctor for more information. For more guidance on all things ergonomics, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.