Sleep problems and associated work place injuries
Posted in Sleep Disorders/Snoring on February 16, 2011
We all know intrinsically that disturbances in sleep, particularly sleep apnea, cause a tremendous amount of health problems. The more documented and serious problems are high blood pressure, the increased risk of stroke and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Other less publicized, but significant problems associated with sleep disturbances include generalized fatigue and overall lack of well-being.
It makes sense that people who sleep poorly, are at risk for increased problems during the daytime such as injuries at work. This, however, is a finding that has not been well defined by formal studies until recently. A paper in the journal Sleep from May of 2010 shows a strong incidence of work place injuries amongst individuals with sleep problems. The paper looked at a survey of working aged people in Canada who worked either full or part-time. A total of approximately 70,000 people were included in the population- based survey. The study indicated that there was a significant increase in work injury in both men and women for those patients who had trouble sleeping. Deeper analysis shows that men in trades and transportation jobs, women in processing and manufacturing jobs and woman who worked rotating shifts were at the highest increased risk for work injury associated with trouble sleeping. This study further emphasizes the fact that sleep-related issues should be taken seriously and need to be worked up appropriately by a physician. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Nilesh N. Shah, M.D.