The more we learn about sleep, the more we discover its impact on nearly all aspects of health. Unhealthy sleep habits can lead to fatigue, illness, even depression.
Sleep issues affect workers around the world, with an estimated 1/3 of Americans getting insufficient sleep, and similar numbers in Europe, and Asian workers sleeping even less.
So, how does investing in sleep benefit a business?
Let’s define work engagement. One American study on the subject defined it as “vigour, dedication and absorption at work”, which covers it nicely.
Unsurprisingly, numerous studies have found that a rested employee is a more engaged one. Energy depletion caused by poor sleep quality is well known and documented (more on that below). But additionally, mood is affected too.
Anecdotally, crabbiness from poor sleep is well known. But a growing number of more formal studies have found the correlation too. One Australian sleep report found that “people who are sleep deprived report increases in negative moods (anger, frustration, irritability, sadness) and decreases in positive moods. And sleeplessness is often a symptom of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can also raise the risk of, and even contribute to, developing some mood disorders.”
Conversely, a rested employee is more likely to be in better mood, more energised and more engaged with their work.
You’ve probably experienced firsthand the benefits of a good night’s sleep. You feel rested and alert.
Sleep can be categorised into three stages, the final of which (commonly referred to as “deep sleep”) is believed to be the most important in relation to energy. As described by the Harvard Health Publishing, deep sleep enhances your ability to make ATP, the body's energy molecule.
A good night’s sleep provides workers with the appropriate physical energy and cognitive function to carry out the day’s tasks.
Productivity isn’t just linked to energy. Cognitive abilities are important too. And, as it happens, sleep is important for both.
As The Sleep Foundation put it: “People who are sleep deprived are also more likely to make errors and omissions, partially due to increased reaction times. In some professions, impaired reaction times may mean missing an important phone call or not responding quickly in conversation. In other professions – like doctors, first responders, and truck drivers – slow reaction times can be dangerous.”
At the other end of the spectrum, daytime sleepiness has led to documented cases of task mistakes and injuries in the workplace.
Finally, sleep and wellness have a long-documented correlation.
As The Mayo Clinic reports, “infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don't get enough sleep”, making us more vulnerable to everyday illnesses.
Simply put, healthier sleep schedules lead to less illness and less absenteeism.
Healthy sleeping habits are not just good for individuals’ health, but they contribute to better workplaces and more efficient businesses too.
We also have articles on Creating the Best Sleep Environment, How Employers can Support Sleep Hygiene and Rituals for Better Sleep.
