In our go-go-go, 24/7 world, sleep often gets shoved to the bottom of the to-do list. Many people sacrifice those precious hours of rest to squeeze out a little more productivity or because they’ve bought into the idea that resting is for the lazy. As Emily Whitcomb, senior program manager of the fatigue initiative at the National Safety Council, puts it, “In America, there’s this idea that ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead,’ or that valuing rest is a sign of laziness.” Our culture often rewards those who burn the midnight oil with extra pay and promotions, which only reinforces this mindset.
But here’s the deal—skimping on sleep is turning into a major public health problem, especially when it comes to the well-being and safety of U.S. workers.
“Many U.S. workers are fatigued on the job,” says Claire Caruso, a research health scientist at NIOSH. The National Sleep Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Yet, the stats are alarming: around 30% of U.S. civilian workers were clocking in less than six hours of sleep a night by the mid-2000s, a jump from 24% in the 1980s. And it’s even worse in certain industries, particularly for night shift workers. According to a 2012 CDC report, here’s how it breaks down:
- 34.1% in manufacturing
- 44% of all night shift workers
- 52.3% in health care and social assistance
- 69.7% in transportation and warehousing
Chronic fatigue isn’t just a buzzkill for your quality of life—it’s a serious safety hazard. Whitcomb points out that “around 13% of workplace injuries and 21% of fatal crashes are linked to sleep problems.” Despite tons of research, workplace fatigue often slips under the radar, partly because there’s not enough data on workers’ sleep patterns and work hours.
Sleep: More Than Just Rest
Sleep isn’t just downtime; it’s an active period crucial for mental and physical recovery. “Every hour you’re awake builds up your need for sleep, and that need only goes away when you actually get some sleep,” says Indira Gurubhagavatula, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and chair of the Public Safety Committee at AASM.
Fatigue can show up as anything from yawning and difficulty focusing to more severe issues like poor decision-making and increased risk-taking. Gurubhagavatula even compares severe fatigue to being legally drunk—after 18 hours awake, you’re as impaired as someone with a 0.05% blood alcohol level.
Tips for Tackling Night Shift Fatigue
For those pulling irregular or night shifts, Gurubhagavatula suggests:
- Have a chat with family and friends about your sleep needs to create a supportive home environment.
- Think about trying segmented sleep schedules or taking strategic naps.
- Be cautious with caffeine, especially late in your shift, so it doesn’t mess with your sleep later.
- Stick to a routine that encourages good sleep, like keeping consistent sleep and wake times and having a bedtime ritual.
Fighting Fatigue in the Workplace
The idea of a fatigue risk management system (FRMS) is catching on, integrating policies and practices within existing safety management frameworks to address fatigue head-on. “Fatigue is a predictable risk that can be managed just like any other workplace hazard,” says Brian Beauvais, safety manager at Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.
Implementing these systems doesn’t have to be a headache. You can start by building on what’s already in place through safety or wellness programs. Educating workers, scheduling shifts wisely, tweaking the environment, and even consulting with a macroergonomics specialist can all help reduce fatigue.
The key to making a real change is recognizing how crucial proper rest is for safety, productivity, and overall health. Getting this right could be a game-changer—not just for individuals, but for the economy as a whole.
