When you are tired, it is more difficult to focus on things and the risk of accidents at work increases. Every profession requires concentration and attention. The nurse must always be alert, and the cook might burn his soup on the bottom if concentration is hindered. People who work in traffic and with large equipment also need to monitor their sleeping habits. After one night without sleep, one must not grab the steering wheel. With a good night’s sleep, you increase safety at work!
Long-term sleep deprivation weakens the body’s resistance to diseases and increases the risk of illness. This might result repeated absences from work. A shift worker who suffers from the lack of sleep also suffers more from inflammatory diseases than others.
A refreshed and rested person = an efficient and attentive worker
Shift work
Shift work is suitable for many, but not for everyone. Shift work can cause fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, and intermittent sleep. Especially for a three-shifter, it is difficult to maintain a regular sleep pattern. Unfortunately, varying circadian rhythms can lead to sleep problems. Careful planning and sequencing of shifts help to maintain a healthy sleep rhythm.
Tips for shift workers:
- Allow enough time to sleep between the shifts.
- Take care of a good sleeping environment after a night shift. Earplugs and eye patches may be useful.
- Sleep more on holidays.
- Avoid heavy meals during night shifts, as they may make you feel tired.
- Avoid drinking coffee, especially at the end of the night shift, as it makes it harder to fall asleep.
- Exercise enough and eat healthy. Healthy lifestyles provide energy for even challenging everyday life.
The alertness level is at its lowest in the early morning hours, which also increases the risk of accidents.